Welcome! I have
created this blog page to help raise money for the Creating Bright Futures
Campaign in support of The Frankie Lemmon School and Developmental Center –
where my daughter, Gabby, goes to preschool.
OUR
STORY…
As many of you already know, our 4 year old daughter, Gabby, was born
with a rare bone overgrowth disorder called Apert Syndrome. Gabby has had to
endure (and continue to endure) multiple surgeries throughout her life to stay alive (expand her skull,
open up her airway) and improve her syndactyly (fusion of her fingers). In addition, Gabby has profound developmental
delays and Autism which are not typical of Apert children. Given this set of unique and complicated issues, it was difficult to focus and find the right therapies and therapists to help her. While a brave and happy little girl, Gabby was almost completely non-verbal, socially indifferent to other people – even her own family, was required to drink her meals through a
bottle, and quite fearful of much of the world outside our home.
THE SCHOOL…
The teachers and therapists are only a phone call or email
away as issues or questions arise.
Picture stories, communication cards, and adapted utensils/tools are sent home to
compliment what is being taught and used at school.
The school provides onsite Speech, Physical and
Occupational Therapy. They also
incorporate Music Therapy weekly, and Animal Therapy every month. The school offers monthly Family Partnership
Days to allow for home visits, workshops (childcare provided) and family
outings with the school.
RESULTS…
By the end of Gabby’s first year, the number of words she
was using, her interaction with her family and her comfort out and about in the
world had improved dramatically.
Before school began Gabby would only be able to stay outside at a
playground for 15-20 before she was completely overwhelmed. By Spring, not only was Gabby able to stay out
longer, but was climbing up and sliding down slides on her own!
In addition, Gabby can now eat a “normal” meal with fork or
spoon and drink from an open cup – something we were told by her doctors would
never be safe or possible!
Yet, one of the biggest accomplishments was how Gabby began to interact more and more with the teachers and children at the school. And, she learned how to hug!! (As a
Mother who loves her child desperately, this was by far one of the greatest personal
gifts the school has provided me).
PLEASE WATCH THIS HUGS VIDEO (it is worth it!!)
HOW TO
DONATE…
To donate please visit www.frankielemmonschool.org/GetInvolved/WaysToGive.aspx
**And, if you make the donation in "Honor of Gabby", I can personally thank you with the official 2016 Frankie Lemmon School thank you
card!! (It even has Gabby’s picture on it)
IF YOU WANT A FEW MORE DETAILS…
What
is The Frankie Lemmon School?
A tuition-free preschool that provides exceptional
education and therapies for children who have intellectual, physical, and
developmental delays. At the time Gabby started they were able to house
29 children. Since then they have found
a new location and expanded to include 32 children. They hope to grow to 125 over the next few
years. The school is a not for profit
501(c)3 educational organization funded by contributions from Wake County School System
as well as contributions from the community – individuals, corporations,
foundations. The Frankie Lemmon School
is a contract agent of the NC Public School System; however state revenue State
revenue only covers 1/3 the costs.
www.frankielemmonschool.org
www.frankielemmonschool.org
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