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The Ballerinas of UCPN: Reaching For Their Dreams.

Today I'd like to introduce you to three year old Jimari, a student who came to the Children's Learning Center (CLC) through the Early Intervention program. The smallest child in triplets, Jimari didn’t get quite enough oxygen, in the womb and was born with significantly under-developed legs. While her siblings grew up running and playing, Jimari crawled and recovered from painful surgery on her hips.

When she first arrived at the CLC, her teachers say that she was withdrawn and, in many ways, fearful. Still, they worked patiently with her, ever alert for a way to reach her. Finally, they discovered that Jimari loved dancing. Her sister was participating in dance class and she desperately wanted to go too, but she couldn't walk, let alone dance. So, CLC teachers and physical therapists, who had a background in ballet, created a ballet club at the school, just for Jimari! Though reticent at first, Jimari grew to love the ballet club and has made huge strides at school because of the club. Her teachers tell me that she taught herself to walk with the help of braces and her self esteem has greatly improved. Now she'll often tell her teachers not to help her, opting for balancing herself on her walker instead. The ballet club has helped her believe in herself and her independence. She has truly blossomed. The sound of her voice, confidently calling out in class, is something that warms our hearts everyday. I continually find myself inspired by Jimari and the 1,800 individuals with disabilities that ucpn serves every year. Those of us who have gone through surgery and rehabilitation know how difficult it can be. At age three, Jimari has been through surgery twice. Who knows what the future holds for her? Still she finds a way to strive for more and inspire everyone around her in the process.

The Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire cautioned against submitting to the status quo, insisting that “we must cultivate our gardens.” For the past sixty years, the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County has endeavored in the spirit of this missive, insisting on a better, more inclusive world for people with developmental disabilities. In the process, we've found our own gardens more vibrant, lush and full. Jimari is but one blossom we are working tirelessly to nurture. Won't you help us in our continued cultivation?