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 age twelve, she knew she loved working with children. She also had a passion for medicine. Her physical therapy studies gave her “a really intense medical education” that she now draws on every day, helping children like Jack.

“When I first started working with him, he didn’t roll over yet. So, even the tiniest little skills that he gained were huge wins,” explains Sam. “At that point, he was facing open heart surgery and there were concerns about his hearing. Getting to go on that journey with his mom, Sierra, and their family was such an incredible experience.”

Jack’s heart surgery was a success, and he now has cochlear implants and a feeding tube as well. Sam and Jack’s family are learning sign language to better communicate with him. And Jack has grown by leaps and bounds. “He started walking in June of this year and is now full on wild like a typical 2.5-year-old boy, trying to jump off the couch, scale the stairs, and climb the bookcase,” says Jack’s mom, Sierra.

Jack’s doing so well, he will now only need to see Sam every other week. These results are amazing, but not unusual. An impressive 90% of children in our program showed significant progress within six months of beginning therapy in 2023.

Sierra is so excited but shares that both her children will miss seeing Sam more often. “She’s part of the family!” says Sierra.

What Is Early Intervention?

While SOAR365’s pediatric therapists offer both early intervention and outpatient therapies, 90% of the children we serve are in early intervention. This program provides speech, occupational and physical therapy, and educational services to children from birth to three years old.

Our therapists come to the family, so children can practice new skills in familiar surroundings—at home, the library, the grocery store, childcare, or the playground. Studies show that children learn best with this approach. And it makes it easier for caregivers to learn, too!

How You Can Help

Providing early intervention therapy in the natural environment — where children typically spend their days — is much more expensive than in a clinical setting. Because therapists spend more time traveling, they see fewer patients. Insurance reimbursement rates don’t fully cover the costs of this highly effective, but expensive, service model. In 2023, the reimbursement shortfall was approximately $445 per child.

We also believe the children we serve deserve best-in-class therapists. Offering highly competitive salaries and benefits increases our costs, but we know it’s a worthy investment. The earlier children have access to therapy, the higher their rate of success. Your gift will help us reach even more families! To make a contribution, visit soar365.org/donate today.

Curious about SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy program? Visit soar365.org to learn more.