Meet Sophiyah, she came to Easterseals NE as a spirited 1 year-old who loves to laugh and play. Sophiyahs journey hasn't been easy as her abilities grew as she grew. She was born with a heart condition known as Tetrology of Fallot leading to heart surgery at 3 months old. After her heart surgery Sophiyahs lungs filled with fluid causing her to quit intaking fluid by mouth. The hospital paired her with a speech therapist in hopes to alliviate her eating difficulties. Unfortunetly, Sophiyah didnt meet her goals before she was released from the hospital and underwent surgery for a g-tube with goals to continue working on feeding. This was the starting point of our support with Easterseals NE where Sophiyah was referred to continue her speech therapy. As Sophiyah aged, her abilities continued and she was established as developmentally delayed with low muscle tone and a cognitive disorder. She was referred to Easterseals NE for physical therapy and the Early Steps program. As the years went and Sophiyahs abilities grew and changed, Easterseals NE was their as a support, guidance and so much more. Sophiyah was heavily supported with access to specialized therapies such as speech, occupational, physical therapy, aquatic therapy and ABA therapy, assessments for Autism and audiology, programs such as play project, Early Steps, assistive equipment assessment and implemtation, and the encouragement she needs to thrive. Easterseals not only helped Sophiyah thrive but they went above and beyond supporting me as her parent. Today, she’s not only walking and talking but she’s vocal and persistently thriving towards a beautiful positive future. I don't know where my Sophiyah would be without her Easterseals team through the first decade of her life.

Sophiyah's story is just one of many. Every step you take in Walk With Me, directly supports individuals like Sophiyah, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential. When you participate, you’re not just walking—you’re making a tangible impact in the lives of children & adults with disabilities in our community.

Help me break record in sponsors and donations to support Easterseals mission in assisting kids with all abilities. Every dollar counts! Thank you so much for your support. I look forward to seeing you at the event.