Reasons to Run
Canyon - 2019 Rainbows Run Ambassador
Canyon Stephenson is 2-years-old, and loves rough housing with his 2 brothers. His mom Rachael had a normal pregnancy and Canyon was born right on time. He proceeded to wrap his family around his little finger with his smiles and cute baby laugh. When he was 2 months old, his mom noticed that his eyes were moving unusually fast and she became concerned. Canyon was diagnosed by a local pediatric ophthalmologist with congenital nystagmus, a condition that causes the eyes to look involuntarily from side to side in a rapid, swinging motion rather than staying fixed on an object or person. At 9 months Canyon received an evaluation through Rainbows’ Infant/Toddler Services of Butler County and he qualified for services. Joanna, a Rainbows’ therapist began seeing Canyon in the family home and working with him to meet age-appropriate developmental milestones.
Rachael now understands that she knows Canyon better than anyone. “Through these regular visits, I’ve learned to trust my gut,” said Rachael. “It’s been so helpful to have Joanna to share ideas with as we work together to help Canyon progress.”
Read more about Canyon's story here.
Jensen & Aluxandria
Jensen and Aluxandria were born almost 2 months early and weighed 3 and 4 pounds, respectively. Because of their premature birth, they had a long stay in the NICU and were expectedly a little behind when it came to developmental milestones.
"Rainbows has impacted our lives in a huge way, just knowing that other people care about our children and want to make sure they are meeting milestones. They want our children to be doing things that other kids their age do. Their prime concern is that Jensen and Aluxandria are happy and healthy. Rainbows staff is so thoughtful and kind, and truly wants to see your children succeed just as much as you do. Just because the twins had a bit of a rough start in life, they are capable of anything and I know they are destined for great things.” -Rachel, the twins' mother
Read the rest of the twins' story here.
Liby
Liby was born with critical aortic stenosis involving Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At only 4 months old, she had a heart transplant. Up until her transplant, Liby had spent her entire life in the hospital. She also suffered from a stroke early in life, which has caused her to struggle with weakness on the left side. The Peterson family got connected with Rainbows United to help navigate the challenges ahead for Liby. Kim Stewart is Liby's Speech Therapist. “We have been working with Kim since May 2017,” said Liby’s mother, Jill. “Since starting Rainbows’ services, she has made so much progress!” The family enjoys the convenience and ease of in-home therapy, and Liby’s mother is thrilled with the tools and resources they have been given so far.
Read more about Liby here.
