
Stephanie proudly shares, “She’s shown me this personality that I never would have thought was under all that anxiety. She’s determined and independent. She is just WOW; mind-blowing every day.” What an amazing gift you have given. You made it possible for Londyn to get the love, care and specialized support she needed to shine.
Against All Odds
Your Gift made the impossible, possible.
Londyn’s doctors and therapists told her parents their daughter would face great challenges in life.
She would not have a healthy appetite, she would not have fine motor skills, and she may never walk. But they didn’t know that Londyn, her family, and her teacher Stephanie at Early Head Start (EHS) made an incredible team. Because of you, they were able to face every obstacle together.
Londyn was just 2-years-old when she came to EHS. The week before she was to start, her teacher Stephanie met with the Family Engagement Specialist to hear more about Londyn and her needs. Here she learned that Londyn had cerebral palsy and was not very verbal, unable to walk on her own and struggling with severe separation anxiety. “I didn’t know much about cerebral palsy, so I started researching and wanted to create space for her to teach me who she is, and what she can do.”
In those first few weeks, Stephanie felt like a failure. She couldn’t understand why she could not comfort Londyn. Stephanie tried everything she knew to do when a toddler was in distress, but Londyn would cry from the moment she left her mother’s arms until she eventually fell asleep exhausted at nap time.
“A typical day for Londyn included about 3-4 hours of constant crying. That’s a lot of stress on her body. All my training taught me to be patient and give it time – it might be exactly what she needs right now even if I can’t see it.”
Weeks passed with no change in Londyn’s behavior or progress in development. Stephanie’s confidence waivered, but she refused to give up. She kept trying new ideas–and gave Londyn time, love and as much consistency as possible. Then one day as if a switch was flipped, Londyn came to school with a smile on her face. Stephanie’s eyes filled with tears of joy.
Overcoming separation anxiety was just the beginning for Londyn. She overcame all the limits that society had set for her, and proved them wrong! Stephanie excitedly shared, “And let me tell you, this girl can eat! She loves eating and will often ask for seconds! She is doing amazing with fine motor activities and keeping up with all her classmates.”
Londyn began to further thrive in her classroom, have meaningful social interactions with friends and her personality just blossomed.
Londyn is ready to take the next step and will soon transition to a pre-school for her age. Her parents and teachers have no doubt she will continue to flourish. Because of you, teachers like Stephanie had the resources and the training needed to love and teach children like Londyn. You provided the support she needed to overcome these obstacles, and any others that may come her way.
“Somebody once asked me if I thought Londyn will ever walk. I knew she was determined and that she would walk in her own timing!” It was the very next weekend Londyn’s mother shared a video of her walking on her own at home. “I was so excited, and proud to be part of her story,” shared Stephanie pictured above with Londyn.
You transformed Londyn’s life, and have given her a great head start in life — she’s defying the odds all because of you! Without you, she would have had a very different journey. Every day there are children, who much like Londyn, need someone to walk with them and navigate challenging obstacles. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for a child in need.
Learn more about the Early Head Start program at HumanKind by visiting here.