Little Girl, Big Heart

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday!

We are feeling so fabulous this Friday at Easter Seals Florida because of a little girl with a big heart! Five-year-old Mya’s mother, Lisa, wanted to involve her in community volunteering.  Lisa arranged for Mya to help literacy specialist Mayra Alvarado with the new mobile library at Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center.  For months, Mya read a book to the kids in each classroom at the center and helped them check out books from the mobile library, a small library on wheels that she brought from classroom to classroom.  She even created library cards for each child in the center.

Mya:

Mya went home from her volunteer experience determined to collect more children's books for the children of Easter Seals. She made a flyer that she sent out to friends and family, and soon books were coming in from all over the country...over 500 books were collected in all! But that wasn't enough for Mya. She wanted to be sure that Easter Seals' Murray Child Development Center had its very own library. After many volunteers sorted through and organized books, painted walls and murals, and put the final touches of decorations to the place, it was ready for our children!  The grand opening of the Murray Child Development Center library was held in July of 2011. 

But that’s not all!  Starting last summer, Mya got the itch to create another library at Easter Seals’ Igoe-Amar Child Development Center, the Murray Center’s sister program in West Palm Beach.  She collected once again over 500 more books, and on January 23, 2013 the new Children’s Library and Literacy Center was opened!  Check out pictures from the dedication here: grand opening of their library.

Today we want to thank Mya for her warm heart and drive to make a difference. No matter our location, age or circumstance, Mya’s story is a lesson that we can make a difference when we put our hearts and minds to it.

The Murray Center Library:

The Amar Center Library:

The Amar Center Library Grand Opening:

See even more photos in the grand opening album on our Facebook page.

Care Tips for Cerebral Palsy

Caused by injury or abnormal development, Cerebral Palsy refers to a set of conditions involving the brain and nervous system. Cerebral Palsy is known as the most common motor disability affecting children, according to the CDC. Recently, there have been positive findings working in the direction of a potential cure for the condition, but research still has a long way to go.

If you are weathering day-to-day challenges of caring for a loved one with Cerebral Palsy, don’t feel like you’ve been abandoned. Easter Seals offers services that can help your situation. When a loved one is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, the first thing you need is support and guidance. Easter Seals Florida offers many individuals support through Early Intervention and aims to change lives. Contact us today for support. To get you started, we’ve included a list of Cerebral Palsy caregiving tips.

Cerebral Palsy Caregiving Tips:

1.      Keep surfaces in your home clean and clear of potentially dangerous objects

2.      Remember to pad sharp corners for safety

3.      Side rails for the bed and bathroom are helpful

4.      Install seat belts in chairs

5.      Plug electrical outlets and don’t let chords hang low

6.      Join a support group

7.      Seek guidance for coping

8.      Look at, talk to and even sing to your child often

9.      Use multiple forms of communication (talking, hand gestures, writing, smiling)

10.  Create personalized activities to help develop your child’s skills

11.  Stick to rules to help develop routines

12.  Encourage independence when possible

13.  Play time is important for development of intellectual and motor skills

14.  Help your loved one hold and release objects

15.  Seek professional help

Mother’s Day is on the way

We are Feeling Fabulous this Friday!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so our post today is all about honoring mothers. Thank you to all mothers who give so much. Every mother is unique and wonderful.

"The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness."

-Honore de Balzac

Guiding Light Mom

Mom, from the time I was really young,
I realized I had someone...you,
who always cared,
who always protected me,
who was always there for me no matter what.

You taught me right from wrong,
and pushed me to do the right thing,
even when it was hard to do.
You took care of me when I was sick,
and your love helped make me well.

You had rules,
and I learned that when I obeyed them,
my life was simpler, better, richer.
You were and are
the guiding light of my life.

My heart is filled with love for you,
my teacher, my friend, my mother.

By Karl and Joanna Fuchs

Honor your mother and thank her for everything. If you’re looking for gift ideas, feel good about giving back when you send your mother ProFlowers. Easter Seals receives ten dollars when you place an order. Everyone have a fabulous Friday and do something very special for your mother.

A Pair to Remember 2013 Recap!

It’s Feeling Fabulous Friday

Easter Seals Florida is truly feeling fabulous this Friday as we reflect on our annual “A Pair to Remember” signature fundraising event. Across the state “A Pair to Remember,” a ladies’ luncheon and designer shoe auction, was held in Orlando, Tampa and Palm Beach Gardens.

At each of these three events, the glam was delish and the energy infectious, but the spirit of giving was the most striking feature. We had some of the highest bids this year and an increase in turn out. What is most exciting about that is what that means for the lives of Easter Seals Florida clients. Over $208,000 net was collectively raised through these “A Pair to Remember” events and the funds raised go directly toward enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. From providing relief for caregivers to patient therapy and so much more, the success of the “A Pair to Remember” events means support for so many people who need it.

So join us this Friday as we reflect on the images from each event. Be sure to check out the video where you can learn more about the Hayes family and how Easter Seals Florida programs have changed their lives.

A Pair to Remember Snapshots:

Orlando

Friday, March 1, 2013
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Mall at Millenia
Photos by: Sandra Johnson Photography

West Palm Beach

Friday, March 8, 2013
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Gardens Mall
Photos by: Tom Rollo, Grace Photography

We reflecting on this event has made Friday fabulous for you as well.

More “A Pair to Remember” Mentions:

“A Pair to Remember” Orange Appeal

Mark Your Calendars For “A Pair To Remember” The Park Press

Easter Seals’ “A Pair to Remember” with Midfielder Jamie Watson Orlando City Soccer

A Pair to Remember Charity Event CultureClimax