The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development held its 40th annual gala on Saturday, March 9, at the Imperial Event Center located in the Holiday Inn in Lancaster. This premiere fundraising event featured a live and silent auction, a giveaway drawing prize, and a live appeal. In total, $300,709 was raised at Schreiber's Ruby Anniversary Gala toward pediatric therapy services, inclusive educational programming, and recreational services offered at the center.

During the event, Schreiber introduced the 2024 Ambassadors to the public for the first time. Tony Essis, father of Ambassador Allegra, shared a portion of the family's history.

The four ambassadors and their families have agreed to share their Schreiber journeys with the community and represent Schreiber at events throughout the year. In addition to Allegra, the Ambassadors are Aubrey from Glen Rock, Colton from Lancaster, and Grayson from Ephrata.

At the age of 3, Allegra began her physical therapy journey with Schreiber to address gross motor delays. At 5, a diagnosis of cerebral palsy added complexity to her path. Now, at 13, Allegra participates in twice-weekly physical therapy sessions with Lisa Stachler Volk to reinforce her strength and help her achieve her goals.

Initially, the goals set for Allegra seemed ambitious, focusing on developing the strength and balance needed for independent walking. Recently, she recovered from a significant hamstring surgery that temporarily confined her to a wheelchair. Despite facing challenges, Allegra's perseverance has paid off, and today she walks with the support of orthotics. Undeterred by setbacks, she has returned to the stage to showcase her acting and singing talents.

Throughout her time at Schreiber, Allegra has not only gained confidence, strength, flexibility, and balance, but has also nurtured a positive attitude.

Aubrey's journey began when she was 3 and became a client at the Schreiber Center, diagnosed with both Treacher Collins syndrome and cerebral palsy. She has spent the last 15 years engaging in speech, occupational, and physical therapies at Schreiber, and she has attended Camp Schreiber during the summer months.

Under the guidance of Maria Viscosi, Aubrey graduated from speech therapy, now able to communicate with her trach and her AAC device. Currently, she attends physical therapy with Rachel D'Arcy and occupational therapy with Makenzie Skiles, both of whom noted that Aubrey is outgoing and determined.

Despite enduring more than 80 surgeries, Aubrey continues to attain new achievements, fostering confidence. This year marks her high school graduation. Her goals for the future include living as independently as possible and pursuing a fulfilling career. Aubrey's video editing skills have earned her a summer internship in Schreiber's fund development department this year.

Colton's journey began with a diagnosis of nontraumatic subdural hemorrhage, resulting from his birth via vacuum extraction, which caused four brain hemorrhages and a blood clot on his cerebellum. These complications caused permanent damage to his cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for movement, balance, and speech. Despite the initial prognosis that he might never walk or talk, Colton's mom, Tara, was determined to provide him with the best chance at a normal life.

At nine months old, Colton began his journey with Schreiber. He is now enrolled in the organization's Circle of Friends Academy and participates in speech therapy with Maria Viscosi, occupational therapy with Becky Smith, and physical therapy with Megan Campbell Roland every week through the IU13 program. He also has weekly physical therapy with Liz Datorre, occupational therapy with Kim Martin, and behavioral health therapy with Jasmine Vang.

In only three years, Colton has undergone a remarkable transformation. From initially struggling to sit up independently and facing anxiety in therapy sessions, he now runs to his therapists, greeting them with smiles and hugs. He has also formed close bonds in his Circle of Friends Academy classroom with his teachers and his peers and shares the details of his day with his mom upon pickup.

Colton has learned to sit, stand, walk, and run in physical therapy; to dress himself, use utensils, write, and perform simple care tasks in occupational therapy; and to talk, form sentences, and communicate in speech therapy.

Grayson's participation at Schreiber began when he was a few months old and his pediatrician referred him for physical therapy. The diagnosis of low tone indicated a challenge in building the muscular strength needed to reach age-appropriate physical milestones. Grayson graduated from physical therapy after five months of sessions with Libby Crockert.

When Grayson was 2, his parents observed additional developmental delays in speech and sensory processing, leading to an evaluation for early intervention services. Upon being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Grayson began speech therapy with Shannon Roland and occupational therapy with Bernie Hershey at the Schreiber Center once a week. Their weekly sessions focused on fine-tuning motor skills, navigating sensory challenges, and adapting to new environments.

At 3 years old, Grayson began receiving speech services through IU13 as he transitioned out of early intervention services, but he continues to receive occupational therapy with Hershey. In the last year, he has changed greatly. Once hindered by sensory struggles, Grayson now enjoys playing with cousins, giving hugs at family events, and making friends at the playground.

Beyond expanding his social world, Grayson is also mastering essential self-care tasks under Hershey's guidance. These tasks range from independently brushing his teeth to dressing himself and tidying up toys.

Community members may follow the Ambassadors' therapy journeys at http://www.facebook.com/schreiberpediatric/ and http://www.instagram.com/schreiberforkids/ throughout 2024 and meet them during various community events throughout the year.

For more information, contact Alexandra Cahill at 717-393-0425, ext. 129, or acahill@schreiberpediatric.org.