ABIGAIL

Abigail just turned 2 in May, but her young life already has been punctuated by challenges and accomplishments. The daughter of Janice and Michael, who live in DeLand, the laughing little girl had a heart defect surgically corrected when she was only 3 months old and surprised her mom by “breezing” through eye surgery earlier this year. Abigail, who was born with Down syndrome, was one of the youngest therapy clients to attend the Easter Seals DeLand center when she began speech/oral motor therapy at only 6 weeks old. Abigail continues to receive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Easter Seals centers in both DeLand and Daytona Beach, and she is just beginning to use a walker, a first step toward walking on her own. Her favorite things and people include Elmo, Barney, her two dogs and her big sister, Emily, who’s 4.

Photographer Bernard Brzezinski comments: “I could not have hoped for a better experience. It was a pleasure to work with Abigail and her family. Abigail is a ray of sunshine that lights up any room. I am honored to have had the opportunity to gain insight into Easter Seals and the important services they provide to the community.”

ALYSSA

Alyssa, who’s 5, participated in an Easter Seals Walk With Me event in Daytona Beach earlier this year, and her dad, Duane, says his happy, bright, outgoing little girl – a sister to Alexxis, 7, and London, 4 – is making a great ambassador for the organization. She has recently become more mobile with a new motorized wheelchair and has attended Pathways Elementary School in Ormond Beach since August. Arthrogryposis, a rare congenital disorder that causes multiple joint contractures and muscle weakness, affects Alyssa’s arms and legs and has made periodic casts and surgeries necessary since she was just 2 days old. It hasn’t, however, dimmed her deep and abiding puppy love, although she has no real dog and prefers admiring the animals from afar. Instead, her room is filled with more than 20 stuffed dogs, plus pictures of dogs and all things canine.

Photographer Jennifer Kaczmarek comments: “I fell in love with Alyssa the first day I began photographing her and soon after I felt compelled to do something more. With the permission of her father, I have turned this into a long-term project. My goal is to continue photographing her and, when there is a concrete body of work, I will hold an exhibition/fundraiser on her behalf. She is a wonderful little girl with this amazing spirit, and I want to help keep that spirit alive.”

AUBURN

Auburn, a seventh-grader at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange, uses a wheelchair to play tennis and her chair plus assistive devices to get around to flute-playing sessions with her school band and her personal appearances as the 2008/2009 Easter Seals Ambassador. However, her history with Easter Seals goes far beyond a tiara and sash; she was born with spina bifida, underwent and overcame a major surgery at 2 days old and began developmental day care and therapy services at 3 months. Her parents, Linda and Jimmy, say she now likes riding her bike and going out for ice cream and loves shopping, typical fun times for a 12-year-old girl. Auburn is uncommon in many ways, though, including her name, which came from her grandfather’s college alma mater. Another point of pride for the family, including Auburn’s sisters – Kellie, 10, and Ashley, 19: Auburn is in her school’s spelling bee every year.

Photographer Tara Koenke comments: “The first time I photographed Auburn was at her birthday party, while her entire family and friends opened their arms to me. I felt welcomed and at home instantly, especially when her grandmother gave me a hug goodbye. This opened my eyes to how much families actually have in common. I photographed Auburn with nothing more than respect and kindness, for she deserves nothing less than to have her story told in a way that completely portrays Ms. Auburn.”

CHRISTOPHER

Christopher is an active boy of 11 with straightforward tastes. “His absolute favorite things to do (are to) play and listen to music, especially jazz; play with his trains; play basketball; and eat chicken,” his mother, Deneese, says. His hearing impairment hasn’t kept him from becoming an amateur musician. Christopher’s father, Wayne, says his son has been playing drums since he was 3 and recently got his first high-quality kit. The fifth-grader loved to ride the van from Palm Terrace Elementary School in Daytona Beach to the Easter Seals after-school program. And Christopher especially enjoys following one of his favorite basketball players, Dwight Howard.

Photographer Matt Jones comments: “Christopher was a ball of energy and joy; he loved hamming it up for the camera and being the star of his own story. His family was very warm and welcoming and very enthusiastic about this project. They welcomed me in their home right away with open arms and made me feel like family … . I wish them all the best and have high hopes for Christopher's future.”

CODY

Cody uses a walker – a gait trainer – to enjoy the beach, fish with his dad, Terry, and visit neighbors and friends. The Port Orange 3-year-old is diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy and has done “everything” at Easter Seals in Daytona Beach, including speech, aqua, physical and occupational therapies, his mother, Holly, says. He had worked on his abilities at the center for about two years. In his off time, Cody loves to watch cartoons in the morning with breakfast. He sometimes vacations with his half-brother T.J., who’s 8, and other family members in New Jersey.

Photographer Sarah Gerace comments: "I was so inspired by Cody; he showed me that no matter what your circumstance, the point is to live your life to the best of your ability. He truly lives life to the fullest, whether he is at home or traveling with his parents."

COOPER

Cooper, at 2 years old, has survived much. “He’s already had five major surgeries, and doctors consider him something of a medical mystery,” his mother, Tami, says. Cooper was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, before he was even born. Later, doctors also discovered many gastrointestinal anomalies. The New Smyrna Beach baby came to Easter Seals in Daytona Beach at only 3 months old and, through the “incredible and loving” therapy he has received, he is now able to stand and crawl; shake, rattle or roll any toy he’s given; and say “Mama,” much to Tami’s delight. Tami hears that a lot and loves it: Cooper has a sister, Dakota, 12; two brothers – Austin, 11, and Deakan, 8; and another brother on the way. Of all the children, Cooper is “the spitting image” of his dad, Larry. Before he began speech, occupational and physical therapies at Easter Seals, Cooper was unable to open his hands, make any sounds, lie on his belly or even uncurl from the fetal position.

Photographer David Morris comments: “Cooper didn't complain once or even regard me much the entire time we worked together; he was undoubtedly my best subject. More importantly, Cooper is surrounded by people who care and look out for him. He has a wonderful immediate (and distant) family who show their unwavering support in helping him as he progresses through life.”

HANNAH

Hannah’s best friend is her big sister, Haley, 6. At 3 years old, Hannah is an active girl – with an active imagination – who loves to play Barbies and pretend, either with her sister or on her own. Hannah has occupational, physical and speech and oral motor therapy with Easter Seals and attends the organization’s charter school. The DeLand toddler loves it when her parents, Sandy and Ray, read books to her and give her chocolate. Hannah’s home is filled with laughter, beginning with breakfast, her favorite meal, and throughout the day. And she likes it that way.

Photographer Kaley Rogers comments: “Working with Hannah has been a joy. I was focused on capturing her love of life and playfulness, which has made me want to work more with kids. The family’s home is full of love, and this shows in Hannah and her sister, Haley. Hannah is extremely energetic and kind, with a great sense of humor. Haley is an awesome sister, who loves playing with Hannah and is always more than willing to help out. It was an honor working on this project and I hope to stay in touch with Hannah and her wonderful family.”

JOEY

Joey’s grandparents, Bob and Sharon of Ormond Beach, say the 5-year-old is “a bright light in our lives.” He loves music, riding his bike, visiting with friends and looking at books and magazines. He especially loves aqua therapy. “He can accomplish anything in that pool as the water actually allows him to walk by himself, just holding onto the bar,” Sharon says. “What a thrill for a little guy who, on land, depends on his walker and wheelchair to get him where he wants to go.” His favorite foods are noodles, meatballs, yogurt, fruit and hot dogs, but popcorn, perhaps while watching a Veggie Tales movie, also ranks high. Joey is a bit of a celebrity. Even before he served as Easter Seals 2008 Client of the Year, he was featured in the Orlando Sentinel and was an ambassador at Walk With Me for several years. He has a form of cerebral palsy, spastic diplegia, and has been receiving Easter Seals services since he was 6 months old. Joey is currently undergoing "serial casting," and it keeps him out of the water. “But we are hoping that the far-reaching results will be one step closer to walking with his feet flat on the ground so he can keep up with his buddies and see the world from a whole new perspective,” Sharon says, “eye to eye rather than looking up from the ground as he does when he crawls.”

Photographer Jason Greene comments: "Joey was a great subject and a blast to be around. He was thrilled to be the subject, but most of the time he just wanted me to put the camera away to play. I really enjoyed working with him, his wonderful family, and Easter Seals on this project."

JOSEPH

Joseph is a fun and loving child, his mother, Marla, says. She also says, “Easter Seals has changed his life. …” Her son is now in a regular kindergarten class, “which is huge, and I owe Easter Seals for that.” The 5-year-old has been reading for well over a year now and tries new activities whenever he gets the chance. He has mild autism, but his sense of humor, smartness and sociability shine through to friends and family members. He and his father, Donald, are particularly close and often swim together. Joey really challenges himself in the pool, trying to swim better, farther, faster. He recently began bumper-lane bowling and asked his mother if that is considered a sport. “He enjoys gymnastics, which helps with balance and coordination,” Marla explains. And her son loves the playground and amusement parks and “is always asking what fun things we are going to do today.”

Photographer Leanne Wilcox comments: “Joey was very cooperative and showed much enthusiasm about being involved in the Easter Seals project. He was extremely active and outgoing, which made our time together exciting and entertaining. Joey could name the author of any book on his shelf – I was amazed. He is an awesome person.”

JUSTIN

Justin is described as very outgoing by his mother, Estella. And the 9-year-old Daytona Beach boy is busy, too, playing football, basketball and baseball and participating in the Up and Coming Mimes group at his church. The third-grader at Calvary Christian Academy in Ormond Beach also loves playing drums, dancing, swimming, running and singing. And he uses the Easter Seals speech therapy program because of a hearing impairment. Still, he always has time for his family and friends..

Photographer Aldrin Capulong comments: “My experience with Justin’s family was tremendous. Justin is incredibly active, and his mother is amazing because she keeps up with him. He was the best player on his baseball team and well liked by his friends and peers in all the activities I witnessed. I appreciate how they both welcomed me into their lives and allowed me to catch not only the busy times but also the quieter moments. Thank you very much to both Justin and Estella, and to Easter Seals.”

KEATON

Keaton is “a fun-loving, outgoing 9-year old boy who just happens to have an extra 21st chromosome, which places him in a category of living with Down syndrome,” his mom, Paula, says. Keaton is in third grade at Old Kings Elementary School in Flagler Beach, where he is included in a general education class. He loves to dance and would like to learn to play many musical instruments. He plays basketball and wrestles with his dad, Don, but, when he quiets down in the evenings, he likes to watch a movie and eat popcorn with Mom. Keaton lives in Bunnell and plays soccer with the VIP division of Flagler County Youth Soccer. He likes to go swimming with his three older sisters and brothers-in-law. His sisters, Donelle, Crystalyn and Angel, are married, and Keaton is an uncle almost three times over – to Donelle’s sons, Zaid, who’s almost 2, and newborn Alik, and soon to Crystalyn’s baby, who’s expected this year.

Photographer Cassi Alexandra comments: "I remember the day Keaton’s mom called to tell me that he had prayed for me the night before. After spending the previous week with Keaton, I couldn’t help but feel the same way. He was eager to get his photo taken. I have never seen a child so in tune with what is going on around him. I never had to explain why I was there to photograph him; he understood without anyone saying a word."

LANCE

Lance inspires a prediction: “You’ll love him!” says his mother, Ann. The 8-year-old attended speech therapy twice a week at Easter Seals and made progress in recovering the vocabulary he lost during a two-year regression, attributable to mild Down syndrome. Meanwhile, he is in third grade at Tomoka Elementary in Ormond Beach, splitting the day between “varying exceptional” classes and regular education. Twice a week, he attends TaeKwonDo classes after school. “Lance is very able, coordinated, compliant, perceptive and extremely compassionate,” Ann says. “He doesn't talk much, signs a little, but easily communicates in his own way and understands everything.”

Photographer Jerry Englehart comments: “I found an innocence and curiosity for the world in Lance. He was a joy to photograph, and I even let him use my camera for periods of time without concern. I acknowledged Lance's fascination with the visual, and, if he was given a camera with proper guidance and instruction, I believe he could record his world in a manner that would be enlightening to all.”

TRISTAN

Tristan has a very appropriate middle name, “Hollywood.” “He loves make-believe, to act and dance,” his mother, Michelle, says. “He is sweet and very excited about all the attention he has been getting from his picture being used on a cereal box.” That would be lots of brands of cereal boxes, including Cheerios. More attributes of the 5-year-old Daytona Beach mini-celeb? He’s very outgoing, extremely energetic and loves the color pink. Without his sharp pink-armed glasses, Tristan is legally blind, and he gets physical and occupational therapy from Easter Seals. With the glasses, he can see to do anything, like going to the beach or finishing homework assignments with the help of his father, John. He also loves to go to church with his “nana,” Dian, who is Michelle’s mom, and spending time in Dian’s pool.

Photographer Carin Perez comments: "I truly could not feel any more honored to have met and photographed Tristan. He is proof that even if you were born with a disability, it does not have to disable you but rather enable you to live an even more fulfilled life. He is an inspiration to all who are lucky enough to meet him."