Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater, WI celebrated a very special 3rd grader and her family in a very special way. With permission from her mom, I share her story.
Milena, one of our wonderful Lincoln 3rd grade students uses a wheelchair. At school, she has a wonderful piece of adaptive equipment that allows Milena to stand, dance, and do art with her class. It is called the Sara Stedy. Unfortunately, these pieces of equipment are so expensive, and many families cannot supply the same equipment at home that helps their children gain independence, joy and experiences outside of their wheelchairs. Here is the story of how the money was raised, and how we surprised Milena and her family on the day she was leading and we were broadcasting the announcements to the entire school!
Here are the words from Milena’s mom on what happened…
“Gratitude might be the greatest emotion of all time in my book. I am still trying to process all that has happened today. Lincoln has been the most pivotal institution in our lives as a family, and today was the exemplification of why.
The kindness, caring, empathy, and support from our second family brought us to tears. Earlier this year, Milena’s new Physical Therapist suggested a transfer device called the Sara Stedy, and it has been a game changer. Not only can Milena’s paraprofessionals transfer her more easily; she can use it for other activities throughout the day to build her leg strength.
We decided we wanted one for home, but like most assistive devices, they are pricey. One of Milena’s paraprofessionals, Lori Hintz, found one used for a reasonable price and asked her co-workers to contribute to the device. Not only was the money raised within 24 hours, it was nearly tripled, and we can now purchase more therapeutic equipment for Milena to increase her strength and mobility.
I really do not have enough words to tell you all what Lincoln has meant to us and our family over the years. Lincoln was the first place we made lifelong family friends, it is where my boys have learned the importance of helping others, that everyone is different and unique, and is truly Milena’s safe place to land. I feel like this is her protective bubble where she is not only accepted but also celebrated.
Your (Lincoln’s) dedication to our students is incredible and not recognized nearly enough! I just want you all to know that you have meant so much to us over the years, set our family up for success, and laid a foundation that will benefit our family for years to come. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”
While I submit this story as a way of passing on kindness, gratitude and service to others, I also write this to bring awareness to the needs of many in accessing affordable, medically needed equipment for many of our friends and families who need them. I hope this story touches your heart, but also brings this awareness to increasing accessibility for our community members and our children.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Kilar, PROUD Principal of Lincoln!
