Stories of Hope

Each year, Easter Seals provides direct services to more than 1.3 million people. Every individual that walks through the doors of an Easter Seals affiliate has a compelling story. Here are just a few stories of hope.

Andreina smiling 

Andreina
“My favorite hobby is soccer. I play with my friends using my walker.  I keep playing even if I’m tired, because I like being an athlete. What happened to me is not a handicap because it doesn’t affect what I can do,” Andreína said.

Bryan smiling

Bryan
Bryan sees the future with optimism. His exceptional ability with computers gains him fans and friends. Since he really enjoys this, he likes to show others. He finished elementary school with good grades and has started middle school with more confidence. Bryan’s journey is still long and difficult, but with help from Easter Seals, it is no longer confusing or uncertain.

Christian smiling

Christian
Thirteen year old Christian has a will to live. Christian was hit by a car at the age of 4. He was in a coma for two weeks, and remained in the hospital for three months. Because of the accident, Christian suffers from involuntary movements and a lack of balance. Despite this, the strength of his parents helped him get out of his wheelchair. Christian’s goal is to achieve the highest rank in Boy Scouts; he wishes to become an Eagle Scout.

Eduardo smiling

Eduardo
Eduardo is a reserved 17-year-old. He likes to see people’s hearts and get to know their feelings. An aspiring chef, Eduardo loves to cook, and will even share a recipe for his Spanish Rice: “Fry the rice, tomatoes and some onions with garlic, water and salt. Then you add chicken broth, cover and cook, and you’ll have the best Spanish Rice you’ve ever had.”

Yamilka smiling

Yamilka
“When I dance I feel free from what I have,” says Yamilka. “I feel a tickling sensation and butterflies in my stomach, but my mom prays and I relax. I don’t believe that I have any handicaps; I feel like a normal girl.”