The Stanton Family Story - "Grateful for Services Provided by the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities

When we brought Gabriel home from the hospital in late July of 2008 at 3-months old, we were intimidated to think of how developmentally behind he was. Having spent most of his first 3 months in ICU, Gabriel had met the milestones of an infant 1 or 2 weeks old. Glenn and I had no idea how we were going to help him catch up, or how long it would take. Now, almost 18 months later, it is difficult for people to believe all Gabriel has gone through since he looks like any other 22-month old.

Glenn and I were unfamiliar with what services were available to help get Gabriel on track:, but were excited to be given information about Help Me Grow by our pediatrician. Our family was introduced to PACE by our service coordinator at Help Me Grow shortly after bringing Gabriel home. We were anxious to get started, but unsure of how the process would work since we knew Gabriel had a compromised immune system and needed as germ-free of an environment as possible. It was very encouraging to learn that we would be eligible to receive services at our home, customized to fit Gabriel's developmental needs. We were off an running, and very interested to see the results of the HELP Assessment so we would know where to focus our energies first.

Throughout our nearly 18 months of services through the home-based program, we have watched Gabriel blossom into a very active 22-month old. He has endured many challenges and obstacles to staying on track developmentally, but with the help of the PACE team, he continues to flourish. Our therapists and Early Intervention Specialist have been able to be flexible when faced with Gabriel's health challenges, whether they be hospitalizations, surgeries, infections, or N lines limiting Gabriel's movement. They have given us suggestions to help, techniques to try, ideas to think about, and goals to meet. They bring us equipment, toys, utensils, food, and books to work on various skills with Gabriel. They give endlessly and show love and concern for Gabriel each time we see them.

Specifically, I can remember incidents where Gabriel's team has gone above and beyond what we believe their job requires. After one particularly difficult hospitalization, I mentioned to Elisa, our Early Intervention Specialist, that Gabriel was in need of positive touch since he had been stuck so much during his hospitalization to have labs drawn. Within days, Bridgette, our physical therapist, came out to teach me infant massage, which has been a God-send in calming Gabriel during blood draws and catherizations, along with providing great bonding time and relaxation for him and I. There have been numerous times Elisa or Nina, our speech therapist, has stopped by to drop off something after their normal workday is over. Nina has even accompanied me to several of Gabriel's feeding therapy appointments in an attempt to ensure her techniques and the other therapists were cohesive, even on days she was scheduled to be on vacation. Most recently, we were blessed to have both Elisa and Nina accompany us to a very important Feeding Team Meeting and FEES study in Cincinnati. It was so helpful to have them there to assist us as we tried to explain all the different things we have tried with Gabriel and then to have them there for input in making a plan to get him where he needs to be with eating.  With the help of Elisa, Nina, and Bridgette and PACE home-based services, Gabriel has almost all of the skills of any other 22-month old. He has met or exceeded many of the benchmarks, and continues to amaze us with his determination and problem-solving skills .... in other words, he is into everything and the only thing child-proofing does is keep the adults out!

Our appreciation goes deeper than we can express with mere words. Your programs have enhanced Gabriel's life, and we could never thank you enough for the support you have provided.