2013 Representatives
Addison Bryson
2013 Child Representative
Addison’s baby book doesn’t read like most. Spending the first six months of her life in the hospital undergoing multiple heart surgeries and suffering from complications of VATERL syndrome, Addison met many of her milestones much later than her peers. At 16 months, still unable to roll over, sit up, crawl, and on continuous oxygen, Addison began attending Easter Seals preschool and receiving intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Today, her story is like other five-year-olds. Addison is talking, walking, biking, and loving kindergarten.”
Latrice Goodgame
2013 Teen Representative
In January, 2009, Latrice’s world changed dramatically after a car accident left doctors and her family with little hope that she would ever walk or talk again. At the time, no one knew the incredible strength and spirit of this young girl. Latrice has rewritten her prognosis, astounding her doctors, therapists, and even her family. Today, after almost three years of intensive therapy at the Children’s Rehabilitation Center combined with her unwavering courage and determination, Latrice is moving back home with her family. Going home is the realization of a dream she once thought impossible.
Jennifer Mahler
2013 Adult Representative
The Easter Seals Center for Training and Wellness was designed to meet the needs of adults with disabilities like Jennifer and her peers. Jennifer fills her days with her favorite activities, shares her joyful spirit with everyone she meets, and never wants to stop learning. Jennifer is a strong believer in health and wellness regularly taking Zumba and water aerobics classes, playing racquetball, and bowling.
Rachel Kate Mayall
2013 Grand Prairie Child Development Center Representative
Rachel Kate runs through the door each morning at the Grand Prairie Child Development Center with a smile on her face as she greets her friends and teachers. A remarkable thing to see considering she came to the Center at a year old, not yet crawling and using a feeding tube. Rachel Kate was born premature, in respiratory distress and with anemia. Today, as a result of physical therapy, she is able to run and play with her friends on the playground. Rachel Kate no longer needs a feeding tube and continues to work on swallowing and other oral motor skills in speech therapy.
Haven McCormack
2013 Youth Representative
The first hour of Haven’s life was picture perfect…then the murmur was heard. Haven underwent open-heart surgery for a congenital heart defect at only eleven days old. When the ventilator was removed after the operation, her body began to shut down and doctors and nurses performed CPR on Haven for 58 minutes. This trauma caused severe developmental delays in her legs, left arm and her mouth.
At 15 months old, Haven began to receive therapy and developmental services at Easter Seals. A graduate of Easter Seals preschool, Haven is now in the first grade charming everyone with her beautiful smile and determined spirit.