The Gift of Kendrick
Categoría: Historia del cliente
November 5, 2024
Kendrick Beyond Down Syndrome
Tanisha wants what every mother wants for their children: an independent, fulfilling life surrounded by people who love and understand them.
It’s been five years since Kendrick graduated from Any Baby Can’s Intervención en la primera infancia (ECI) program. But not a week goes by when his mother Tanisha isn’t reminded of his ECI therapists.
Kendrick is eight years old and has Down syndrome. When he was born, Tanisha already had a 15-year-old daughter and thought that she wouldn’t have another child. But now she was given this gift, Kendrick who would teach her about patience, resilience and unconditional love.
“When I found out Kendrick had Down syndrome, I didn’t question it. I just went into parent mode. I love this child. There’s no other way but forward when you have a child with special needs,” reflects Tanisha.
A Strong Start
When Tanisha and Kendrick left the hospital, she was connected to resources, including Any Baby Can. They got started with in-home therapies right away. Any Baby Can helped her learn how to care for Kendrick. Together they built skills, routines and confidence. Tanisha remembers that her therapists wrote things down for her in a little book about where he needed to improve and what she could do to help Kendrick progress. She keeps that book as a memory of how far Kendrick has come.
One of Kendrick’s therapists even went with Tanisha to her first Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting when he started pre-k. ARD is a meeting for children receiving special education where parents, teachers, therapists, and school specialists collaborate on the child’s progress, goals and needs. It can be overwhelming for a parent to know what to ask, who to include, and how to articulate the child’s needs. Having someone who knew her child’s strengths and challenges by her side made the meeting much more productive for Tanisha, and gave Kendrick the best possible start at school.
"I got the tools I needed to help Kendrick become a better version of himself. And he has! And I’ve become a better version of myself too," Tanisha recalls.
The ECI team went far beyond their physical and speech therapy visits. Kendrick’s ECI therapists became partners, a source of knowledge and unwavering support.
A Strong Start
Tanisha remembers a time when she was snuggling with baby Kendrick and looking at him. She said, “I can see in his eyes that look of a baby with Down syndrome.” Her daughter’s response changed her mindset immediately. “Oh really? I don’t look for it,” her daughter said.
“My daughter was right! We look past Down syndrome and see Kendrick. She sees her brother as Kendrick. And every day we’ve made him the spotlight, not his diagnosis,” remember Tanisha
That’s what our Any Baby Can therapists see, too. Every child is just that: A child. A child who has every potential; who wants to run, jump and play; who wants friends and affection.
Tanisha recalls the doctors telling her all the things he won’t be able to learn and do. She wants to tell other parents who are hearing this:
“You have to protect yourself from that negativity! YOU can see what your child can do. And Any Baby Can is the same; they don’t see the limit in our children,” says Tanisha
The Future is Brighter
Any Baby Can’s therapists became like their family, offering emotional support and practical advice. They helped Tanisha navigate the challenges of parenting a child with special needs and provided her with resources and connections to others who understood what she was going through.
Tanisha continues to use strategies shared by her ECI team to this day. Kendrick is now an active, joyful boy who loves cars, animals, and spending time outdoors. He’s in third grade this year, and his teachers love him at school. He’s active, playful and works hard—at least until he decides he's done!
Kendrick's future is bright, filled with the potential for a fulfilling life.
Kendrick’s Gift Keeps on Giving
Tanisha says that Kendrick has brought her one of her greatest joys—besides her own children—a children’s book! When she was in fourth grade, Tanisha knew she’d write a children’s book. But then time passed, she had her daughter and never wrote. After Kendrick was born, she felt compelled to write a book called A Face like Mine, which she’s hoping to illustrate and publish someday.
“I look back and think: I did good. I AM doing good. I got him to this point, and that means I did good every step of the way.”
She also learned how important it is to help other families who are going through similar challenges. Tanisha put together a support group for parents of children with special needs. She partnered with her son’s preschool to get the space and resources to make it possible. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic curtailed the group, but Tanisha knows it’s important for parents to know they’re not alone.
“As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, you have to re-learn a lot of stuff that you thought you knew as a parent. I’m still learning every day. But it makes me better. He gives me a new outlook on life,” says Tanisha.
Our Impact is Limitless
Compartir:
Compartir:
Compartir:
RECURSOS RELACIONADOS
We work with parents to address developmental delays in children under age 3.
There are many fun, creative ways to support Any Baby Can and our client families.
There are many kids like Kendrick who need early intervention. Make a difference today.
GRACIAS A NUESTRA MISIÓN Y SOCIOS DE THRIVE
Las inversiones de nuestros partidarios crean beneficios a largo plazo para miles de familias en el centro de Texas. Únase a nosotros para construir una comunidad donde prosperen todas las familias y los niños.
