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“They Really Care About Our Family”: How Early Intervention Helped Anna Thrive
When Sloan was pregnant, routine testing showed that her daughter, Anna, had a chromosomal disorder. She was understandably worried. “It can be really scary to have such a severe diagnosis for your child.” That uncertainty turned to hope when Sloan connected with SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy program and realized just how helpful SOAR365’s therapists were...
Come Along with CaiaJade, a Little Girl Who’s Going Places
CaiaJade’s journey with SOAR365 began in early intervention and continues in outpatient therapy. *Please note: this story was originally featured in SOAR365’s Summer NEWZ publication. Click here to view the full newsletter. A little voice sings, “Let’s go to the Sam!” It’s four-year-old CaiaJade, and she’s off to visit her long-time friend and physical...
Aidan’s Journey With CMV: Early Intervention Leads to Success
Working closely with his mom, Megan, SOAR365 physical therapist Emily was able to help Aidan learn to crawl, cruise and walk independently. *PLEASE NOTE: This article was originally featured in the 2024 SOAR365 Annual Report When Aidan was born, he failed his newborn hearing screening and was diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). His mother...
Pediatric Therapy Helps Samaj Reach a Brighter Future
A story of hope and growth thanks to SOAR365’s pediatric therapists Sometimes the scariest things in life are the unknown. For Lea Whitehurst-Gibson and her husband, Monty, this became their reality when they adopted Samaj four years ago. “Samaj was the first infant we had ever cared for, and around three months in, we noticed that he wasn’t...
No Stopping Ezra: How One Toddler Found His Stride
Pediatric Therapy helps Ezra explore his community on a new prosthesis, spreading smiles and awareness At her 20-week ultrasound, Jessie received unexpected news: her son, Ezra, had proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). PFFD is a rare birth defect where the upper part of the femur is missing or not fully formed. While Ezra’s knee, calf, ankle, and foot...
Expanding Access to Pediatric Therapy and Inclusive Play for Children with Disabilities
The following article was first published by the Robins Foundation. To view the original version, click here. Partner Spotlights are a platform for Robins Foundation grantees to highlight their important work and for Robins Foundation to recognize the incredible efforts and successes of our partners. This month, our Administrative and Operations...
Specialized Support Leads to Success: Meet Jack
Jack’s diagnosis is rare. So rare, that only ten cases of Warsaw Breakage Syndrome have been reported worldwide! Luckily, Jack’s SOAR365 physical therapist is pretty rare, too. Sam Cipolla specializes in helping medically complex kids. “Jack is actually the one who made me realize that’s what I enjoyed,” says Sam. Ever since Sam’s first babysitting job at...
Giving Back to Pay It Forward
Dr. Joe and April Niamtu donate generously to SOAR365, where their sons received pediatric therapy. When parents first learn their child has a disability, it can be a disorienting experience. “You don’t know what to do. You’re lost,” says Dr. Joe Niamtu. He and his wife, April, are parents to two sons with cerebral palsy: Joey and Evan. When...
The History and Impact of the Betsy Haas Fund for Children
Cat and Jay Haas’s relationship with SOAR365 began as it does for many in our community. In 2006, they were new parents with many questions, few answers and an overwhelming need for guidance and support. Their six-week-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Haas, was referred to SOAR365 (then Greater Richmond ARC) for physical and occupational therapy after...
