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A story of hard work, optimism and perseverance - Back to stories

By Robbyn Schmitz

When I was in my early stages of pregnancy, we were told our daughter, Megan, would be born with a serious medical condition.

Her doctors said she may never walk, talk, see or hear. Needless to say, the news was devastating. In spite of this, we welcomed her into the world and considered her a true blessing in our lives.

We made a commitment to her that we would always love and care for her no matter what. And we would dedicate our lives to help her reach her full potential.

She had her first surgery at two days old, which was followed by a long hospital stay. While at the hospital, we were encouraged to enroll our daughter in an infant stimulation program, which is where our involvement with MRDD began.

Megan received infant stimulation services in Pickaway County until age three. She was then enrolled in the MRDD preschool program there because she had delays in attaining developmental milestones. After we moved to Fairfield County, she spent her third year in preschool at Forest Rose School/Early Childhood Center.

She received occupational, physical, speech, adapted physical education and music therapy services. During this time and in subsequent years, she had numerous surgeries, hospital stays and doctors appointments. She has been diagnosed with other medical conditions, which continue to be very challenging to her.

Megan has also qualified for funding through Family Support Services. This funding has helped through the years to connect Megan with outside opportunities to receive the needed resources and activities that have benefited her in her particular areas of difficulty. She has an ISP in place to help coordinate any actions, services and supports she may need in the future. Megan has overcome many challenges, and she will face many more in the future.

Megan is 12 years old now and is exceeding what was expected of her by medical professionals. She is currently being homeschooled, and she continues to receive speech and music therapy and is involved in many activities, including a children’s chorus, piano lessons and dance. These activities and the friendships she has developed have become an integral part of her life. Her areas of difficulty have dramatically improved throughout the years as a result of her participation in these activities, and we have seen Megan blossom as a result of her hard work, optimism and perseverance.

Megan’s life has been touched by so many that have loved and cared for her throughout the years, including the staff at Fairfield MRDD. The programs and funding have provided Megan with opportunities to achieve a sense of pride, accomplishment, confidence and self esteem, which will help her throughout her life.

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