Walk with Brandon

Born with a mild cognitive disability, Brandon spent many years living in an abusive home situation with his family. With the help of Easter Seals Adult Day Services in Escondido, he moved out of his family’s house and into a group-home where he lives in a healthy and engaging environment. Brandon says Easter Seals has taught him how to take care of himself. Brandon has learned to cook, do his own laundry and access the public transit system, which he never used before. Brandon regularly speaks out on behalf of Easter Seals, sharing his experience of how Easter Seals helped him change his life for the better. Brandon has gone from depending upon his family, to depending on himself as a volunteer and participant in his community.

Walk with Danny

Danny O’Connor’s relationship with Easter Seals began when he joined as a camper after a traumatic car accident left this once healthy and independent teen severely disabled. At Easter Seals Danny began to thrive. He then became a regular volunteer and for the last five years has worked as a personal assistant in Easter Seals’ Riverside office. Danny’s work at Easter Seals keeps him close to the people he cares about and wants to help. Danny continues to speak publicly about the positive impact Easter Seals has had on his life. He feels that he is the “perfect person to help people who can’t help themselves” because he understands because he’s been there. Besides, according to Danny, “It’s all I want to do!

Walk with Alina

Alina was diagnosed with autism in 2002, when she was just four years old. Her family was concerned because she could not enunciate clearly, crawled with only one leg, engaged in severe tantrums and had unpredictable behavior at school. Shortly after the diagnosis Alina’s family was referred to Easter Seals, who provided an aide to work with her at school to help her interaction with other kids and teachers. Easter Seals also worked with the family at home. Alina is mastering computer games and has an amazing want for social interaction with other kids typical or challenged. Now in Junior High at a new school, Alina continues to demonstrate progress and improvement and her family gives much of the credit to Easter Seals.

Walk with Lora

As a young student at Fullerton College, Lora Glassman plans to transfer to Cal State Fullerton after earning an Associates degree. Her success is quite an achievement given that when she was born with a rare brain abnormality doctors told her parents she would have limited mental capacity and would never be independent. Lora credits her participation in Easter Seals After-School Service with helping her improve her skills and become more independent. “I felt very safe. I did my homework in the afternoon and there was always time to chat with friends. I am very lucky to have had a place like Easter Seals to go to,” says Lora.

Walk with William

William Rayber lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.  He grew frustrated after living in a group setting for seven years so he contacted Easter Seals.  William qualified to purchase his own home through the Home Select program and he has been able to live on his own more than five years with the help of the Supported Living services.  “After living on my own I am so happy! It is like prison to be told what to do and where to go.  I feel independent because I get to make my own rules.”

Walk with Jennifer

Jennifer Bleidistel’s disability was supposed to limit her and instead has helped her inspire children with similar special needs.  With the help of Easter Seals Employment Services Jennifer has been working with special needs children in a preschool program for more than eight years.  That the 34-year-old has a job at all might not seem so remarkable, but when Jennifer was born with Down syndrome, doctors told her parents not to expect much.  But Jennifer flourished in a nurturing home and attended regular public high schools.  Then she got her job and it changed her life.

Walk with Starr

Starr Hart was born with cerebral palsy and the doctors said she would have no physical mobility and would consist of moving from a wheelchair to a bed.  Yet, with the help of her grandmother’s love, her own strong will and the help of Easter Seals, Starr says she is living her life to the fullest doing what she loves.  Starr came to Easter Seals South Bay Employment Services after she earned an Associates degree in child development.  Her Easter Seals coach helped find Starr a full-time teaching job in 2006.  Two years later Starr remembers, “I was so excited when I got the job since I had been politely turned down several times before because of my disability.  I am living my passion!”

Walk with Veronica

Volunteer work is important to Veronica Espinoza. It’s her goal to continue to gain skills through doing for others. Born with a mild cognitive disability Veronica joined Easter Seals Adult Day Services in National City and it’s been full-steam ahead ever since. Over the years Veronica has regularly volunteered at her community library and local Red Cross. Now Veronica is learning to read and use a computer to add to her vocational skills that will eventually help her get a paid job. Veronica says, “I am thankful for Easter Seals. I have learned how to communicate with people.”

Walk with Liliana

With help from Easter Seals Liliana Mallet has become a dedicated advocate for her rights and the rights of others. Easter Seals gives Liliana the opportunity to participate in Self-Advocacy groups which allow her to gain an increased knowledge of her rights as an individual. Living with a mild cognitive disability and cerebral palsy brought Liliana to the Adult Day Services, where she strives daily to find new opportunities in the community for herself and her peers. Liliana says, “The best thing about Easter Seals is the people. They really understand people with disabilities. They have patience to work with me and the many needs I have.”

Walk with Julian

Julian Grimes was diagnosed with autism at age three and began receiving after-school services at the College View campus in Glendale a year later. Now 8, Julian attends a special second grade day class at a typical elementary school. With the help of his social development at Easter Seals, his teachers are now trying to mainstream him into a typical classroom setting that’s more independent. According to mom, Tere, “Before receiving services at Easter Seals my son played a lot by himself, but now wants to participate in the group. He’s very active in his program and developing relationship skills. Our whole family thanks Easter Seals for helping to make our hopes for Julian a reality.

Walk with Leah

Newly married, Leah Bocian-Collinwood was born with Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. She has spent her life conquering adversity, including lack of acceptance of her disability by her peers. Leah has been attending Easter Seals week-long summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains for the past 18 years, and she calls it the best decision of her life. “At camp, no one is judged or ridiculed and every camper is able to participate. Camp is the closest place to heaven on earth!” As a seasoned camper Leah is now able to help newcomers realize their potential. Leah works full-time and plans to finish her Bachelor’s degree and become a motivational speaker.

Walk with Joe

Joe Gannon wasn’t diagnosed with autism until he was 27 years old. He spent many years living with speech impairment, auditory discrimination, and although he could read, he couldn’t understand the meaning of words. In the second grade, he couldn’t handle the structure and confusion. According to his mother, “Autism wasn’t part of the English language when Joseph was growing up.” Finally decades later a family friend who works with autistic students suggested Joe has autism, and she was right. The family was immediately referred to Easter Seals. Joe now works several days a week at a small department store and Easter Seals Employment Services provides a job coach. The rest of the week Joe works with his coach on starting his own computer business.