Easterseals Introduces 2019 Volleyball Ambassador

New Castle, DE – Blessings come in small packages. Latoya and Jean Romeus’ blessing came in the size of their first baby boy who was born with Down syndrome. While the news was, at first, shocking and a bit scary, Latoya soon realized the gift Isaiah was to her entire family. After Isaiah was born and had heart surgery for a defect, Latoya went right to work getting him the services he needed to succeed. She found the tools for success at Easterseals.

“At first, I felt guilty, like I did something wrong. On the flipside, it felt like a challenge I could overcome. Now, I wouldn’t have him any other way. He’s a ball of fun,” Latoya says. “Easterseals has become a part of my family. Without Easterseals I would be walking blindly. With them, I have a new set of eyes to help Isaiah excel.”

While Isaiah is learning to speak through sign language in speech therapy, hold his head up and roll over in physical therapy and grasp in occupational therapy, Latoya, of Magnolia, DE, is also learning how she can help Isaiah better at home after the therapists leave, including walking on a small treadmill designed to help him work towards his first independent steps.

“I would tell another parent, don’t be afraid. There is help out there; be willing to receive it. Enjoy the ride,” Latoya says. “Easterseals services are not recognized enough. People underestimate the services they provide. It took me having Isaiah to recognize the importance of early intervention. Isaiah’s therapists are not just there for him, they are there for me too.”

Isaiah’s family is one of two families selected to serve as the Volleyball Ambassador for the 2019 Easterseals/CAI Volleyball Challenge, which will take place on April 5-7, 2019 at William Penn High School in New Castle, DE. To donate to Isaiah’s team The E Squad, visit: https://bit.ly/2W6solJ. To hear more about Isaiah’s story, visit: https://youtu.be/1ply5lEZAhM.

The Volleyball Challenge is a family-friendly, three-day event, which brings the community together to raise critically needed dollars for Easterseals to serve children and adults with disabilities. For more information about the event, go to www.volleyballchallenge.com or contact Stephanie DiMartine at 302-221-2065 or sdimartine@esdel.org.

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~ Eastersals

For 100 years nationally, Easterseals has served as an indispensable resource for individuals with disabilities, veterans, seniors and their families. Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how your local Easterseals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.