Caleb Speeds to the Finish Line!
As recently as six months ago, low muscle tone prevented Caleb from even sitting on his bike. He didn’t have the core strength to hold himself up, and vision challenges further impacted his gross motor skills and coordination.

On September 9, you’ll see Caleb push off from the start line of the Bike for the Kids by himself – a hard fought goal that Easterseals therapies helped him achieve. A combination of physical and occupational therapies, as well as an intensive  treadmill training program helped Caleb master bike riding this summer. It also transformed his childhood.

“We always thought it was just his reserved personality that kept Caleb on the sidelines. When we would go to the park, he would have fun, but watched all the other kids running around. Now that he is stronger and so much more confident, he is playing right alongside them. He has been running, jumping, climbing and riding with all the other kids all summer! His therapists at Easterseals have helped make that happen!”
 – Michelle, Caleb’s Mom

Now, Caleb is a self-proclaimed “Speed Racer” who is building his endurance and confidence every day.

He’ll be easy to spot on September 9 – with his R2D2 helmet and beaming smile.
Caleb Bike
LATEST NEWS
New Audiology Legislation

Hunter, a 10-year-old boy from Central Illinois, has spent over three years talking to legislators to require insurance companies to cover hearing aids in Illinois. This week, Governor Rauner signed House Bill 4516 requiring full coverage for hearing aid replacements every three years. This bill is estimated to take effect in six months.

This bill is a great step, as hearing loss is one of the most common conditions detected in infants, children, and older adults. Our Audiology services in Villa Park and Elgin can help infants, children and adults with their hearing needs.
And the Perfect $10K Giveaway Winner is...
On August 21, 2018, Ken Bishop, Partner at BKD CPAs & Advisors and Easterseals Board Member, drew the winning ticket for the Perfect $10K Giveaway raffle.

The winner is...

Elizabeth Rosales of Villa Park, IL (Ticket #1224).

Elizabeth will take home a cash prize of $10,000!
The $1,000 seller incentive was awarded to Kim Mulkerin.
 
Thank you to everyone who supported the children of Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley by selling or purchasing raffle tickets.
Ready for School!
This summer we saw a number of goals set and new skills reached. Nine-year-old Sam started Occupational Therapy in June with therapist Jessica Patterson. His goal was to tie his shoelaces before the start of the school year, so he could master this skill like his friends. Sam had tried for many years but struggled to get the movements needed. After just two sessions with Jessica, he did it! This new independence is a big milestone for Sam and will help him during sports and physical activities at school.

"Seeing the look of pride on his face, and on his mom’s face, as he learned to tie his shoelaces within a 2-3 week time span, gradually progressing his skills, increasing his comfort and confidence, has been truly wonderful to see and to experience," said OT Jessica.

Way to go, Sam! Keep up the great work!
Speech Department Manager, Valerie Heneghan would also like to recognize Maggie, Emmett, and Lucas for their hard work at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley from a young age. They all graduated from speech services this summer and are looking forward to starting school with new articulations and words mastered!

Congratulations to all our summer graduates on becoming school ready!
Join our Team

Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley has several open opportunities to join our dynamic, intelligent and fun staff! We have positions open on our clinical, child care, and admissions teams.

Positions include:
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Child Development Teacher
  • Admissions and Scheduling Professional
Dental Clinic: September 20

This bi-annual Dental Clinic is staffed by two pediatric dentists and a dental hygienist. They bring equipment and give registered children a complete exam along with a teeth cleaning. There is no charge for the visit and the dentists do a fantastic job with children of all needs.
 
Spots fill quickly and sign up sheets are available at each center's reception desk .
UPCOMING EVENTS
38th Annual Children's Fashion Show
September 22, 2018

This year's show takes place at a new location , the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference Center. Join our Ambassadors, the Pickerill family, and sign up your child to be a child model and share his/her achievements down the runway.

We will also recognize Physical Therapist, Celine Skertich with the 4th Annual Spotlight Award for her personal and professional dedication to the children at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. The event includes raffles, auctions, a luncheon and fun!
Associate Board Events

Thank you to the Associate Board for their efforts this summer to raise funds for our Summer Siblings Program and the Lily Garden Child Care Center. Their guest bartending event this past weekend raised $1,000 to purchase new furniture and equipment in the Lily Garden classrooms.

Join them at their next event, UNCORKED: Helping Lives Bloom on October 13 at the Flower Firm in Chicago ! This upscale cocktail party will bring the next generation of community and corporate leaders together to support infants and children with developmental delays and disabilities. Guests will experience an evening of fun with a creative dinner menu and cocktails. Proceeds support the life-changing therapy services that help find answers and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families .
The Friends of Nathan Foundation
at Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley Events
3rd Annual Quarter Auction
November 4th, 12:00 – 4:00PM

You can win raffle items and purchase goods from nearly 40 vendors at the event. Paddles are $10 each (paddles can be purchased at the event). All donations are reserved exclusively for local children who are supported by the Friends of Nathan Foundation.