Dear Friends of WVCA,
If there is one thing our Jonah has, it is strength and the will to move! Our son Jonah was born in November, 2020 and his journey has been anything but easy. At 18 weeks gestation, Jonah was diagnosed with multiple conditions including Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele, Chiari type II malformation, and hydrocephalus. These rare conditions can have many developmental impacts including difficulty swallowing, eating, drinking, speaking, sleep apnea, and vision changes. Without interventions, he would have been paralyzed from the waist down. After getting such devasting news, we received fantastic care through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where Jonah has undergone various operations to improve his quality of life.
After successful fetal surgery, a 19-day NICU stay, and a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placed in his brain to control his hydrocephalus, we were introduced to his physical therapist at WVCA. A few months later, occupational and speech therapy followed. These therapy sessions have made an incredible impact on Jonah’s life! One month after becoming a big brother to his sister Grace, Jonah started classes at WVCA in the Infant/Toddler room. He would talk so highly of his teachers every single day of the week. He loved school so much that he would ask us if his teachers could come over to our house to play or even Facetime!
Jonah has now transitioned to a Preschool classroom at WVCA, and he still receives physical therapy and occupational therapy every week. He has advanced with his speech and vocabulary so much that he no longer needs speech therapy. As a family, we are determined to give him the most life has to offer. We are so thankful that the faculty and staff at WVCA have been able to help Jonah on this journey.
Today, Jonah doesn’t seem to forget ANYTHING. His memory and cognitive skills are quite impressive! He is very independent; he is incredibly loving, empathetic, and truly one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Every day, he wakes up ready to be better. Jonah uses his walker for short distances and is a wheelchair user for longer trips. That doesn’t stop him! His journey may have been tough so far in life; however, we feel honored to be walking beside him through it all.
WVCA has been helping children – just like Jonah – for 100 years. Wow. Just thinking about how many children have benefited from WVCA programs over the years is truly moving. It is because of community members, like you, that WVCA has been able to offer these life-changing services to children who need them the most. Please consider making a gift to WVCA in support of children, like Jonah. Every dollar counts and will directly benefit WVCA’s educational and therapeutic programs.
As a family, we are so thankful that we found WVCA and that Jonah has been able to flourish through these programs. Thank you in advance for your considered support! Your generosity makes WVCA’s mission possible and the impact it makes on the lives of these children is immeasurable.
Sincerely,
Stephanie and Joseph Webby