March 2024 | Events & Updates

Stanford is seeking autistic individuals who are interested in improving their social conversation skills to participate in a study using AI.

Preferred Participates:

• 11-35yrs of age
• Interested in improving social conversation
• Are Conversational
• Available 10-20 minutes 5x a week for 4 weeks

If interested, please contact Lizzie Ponder at lizziep@stanford.edu. 

Lincoln, our very first Miracle League Rising Star, is an incredibly bright, full of joy five year old. His smile is full of love and his heart is overflowing with empathy. His soul is full of music, as he loves to sing, and his taste in tv is quite classic, as he adores The Price is Right. He fits right in with his kindergarten peers, enjoying youtube videos, cars, balls, and balloons! At home he is surrounded by his two older siblings, Cole and Mae, his younger sister, Rey, two loving parents, Katee and Jason, and his “doggo”, Grace. 

Lincoln's story is woven intricately with the memory of his older brother, Landry. Landry was born in 2016 and graced the world with his presence for 47 days before passing in February of 2017 due to what the doctors concluded was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Originally, Landry was intended to be their last child, but Lincoln had other plans. 

Lincoln made his debut on May 17, 2018, swiftly making it clear there was more to his story in the first few months of his life. Lincoln was diagnosed at three months old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Type 1 (SMA). The doctors painted a grim picture of his future; “He wouldn't live to his first birthday, and certainly not his second". Furthermore, Lincoln’s diagnosis revealed the likely culprit to Landry’s passing, the same condition. 

SMA is a rare genetic neurological disease that compromises essential functions such as eating, breathing, and mobility. Thankfully, with advancements in medical science, three FDA-approved treatments, including the groundbreaking gene replacement therapy Zolgensma (valued at a staggering $2.1 million per dose), became available as of December 2016. Lincoln has undergone each treatment, and is fighting on with resilience and heart. 

At 5 months old, Lincoln received a g-tube and still feeds solely through his tube, for now! While Lincoln hasn’t mastered the skill of standing or walking just yet, he is able to sit with support. He is supported by a WCR brace (from Align Clinic) due to his severe scoliosis which helps to slow the progress until his eventual surgery.

In his weekly PT and OT sessions Lincoln works hard, currently practicing walking with a gait trainer and strengthening fine motor skills to eventually assist in dressing. Who saw Lincoln bust a move in his new gait trainer at the Valentine’s dance?! Lincoln is a brand new certified driver, he recently passed his wheelchair driving test and received the first set of electric wheels in December! Lincoln is slowly leaning into his independence with his new wheels, and will be burning rubber around the bases soon!  

A dedicated student, Lincoln works with a kindergarten teacher who comes to his home for five hours each week. He continues to impress his teacher and has exceeded the standards for the first trimester! You smarty pants, Lincoln! 

Lincoln thrives on positivity, a fun atmosphere, and social connection; no doubt the reason he loves being on the field at Miracle League. Keep crushing those milestones Lincoln! We are rooting for you! 

Interested in being featured in an upcoming Homer's Highlight? Contact Sarah at smarciamlnb@gmail.com

Miracle League North Bay | [miracleleaguenorthbay.org] (707) 694 - 3820