An easy way to get needed services to kids
by Bob
The first I heard of Kyle Mayer was two years ago, when I saw his name on an application for a scholarship for autism services here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin. He and his family needed help, and we awarded them a scholarship to develop new skills for Kyle and discover new ways to interact with him.
Today, Kyle’s Mom, his sisters and Kyle are all National Ambassadors for Easter Seals. The same Kyle that could not sit still for five minutes can now sit for an hour or more to have pictures taken with friends and supporters of Easter Seals. Kyle never used to play with his sister Julia. Now at photo shoots Julia thanks people who get their photos taken with Kyle. “Thank you for helping my brother,” she says.
Ella was born prematurely in 2008, weighing in at only 3.5 pounds. She was born with a bowel obstruction that led to serious complications, and spent 18 months in the hospital before she finally came home. Easter Seals was there, her mom said. “There was always someone there in my house every day, helping me with her medical needs, strengthening her fine and gross motor skills …”
Ella turns 3 this year. She has developed skills, and her feeding tube maybe removed soon! Her Mom says, “She is where she is today because of all the help she received from Easter Seals.”
All our affiliates have these stories to tell, and we’re all strapped to continue our work effectively as states continue to make drastic cuts to services. With thousands of children touched by our services, what a relief it is to know that we can help raise tens of thousands of dollars to help with just one push of a button.
Here’s how you can give one minute of your time to help thousands of kids like Kyle and Ella. Northwestern Mutual Foundation is donating a total of $200,000 to three charities. The participating charities are Easter Seals, Teach for America and Action for Healthy Kids. Voting is easy, and every vote for Easter Seals is worth $10 for our charity.
In order to vote, you must have an active Facebook page, and then:
- Log on to Facebook.
- Like Northwestern Mutual Life.
- Click the “Click for Kids” link on the left side of the page and then click on the Easter Seals button.
- Spread the word!
Nearly 2,000 people have already supported this effort, raising over $19,000. There is still over $125,000 available to support services to kids like Kyle and Ella, so if you have a minute, please go to Facebook and support the cause. You are only eligible to vote once and voting ends August15, 2011.
What?! You’re not one of the 500 million people on Facebook? No problem — just forward this blog to others you know who are on Facebook. Tell them to support Easter Seals because you believe every child deserves the best start in life!