Page 9 - TRI program_2020_FlipBuilder Edition

have such a meaningful impact on those
they work with.”
Brad’s sister Katy Gilberg and her
husband Josh have seen that impact
personally. Decades after her parents
began supporting Easterseals, Katy and
Josh’s first child needed help due to
a speech delay. At 18 months, James
received Easterseals speech therapy
through Indiana’s First Steps program.
Today James is a thriving 10-year-old.
Katy and Josh’s second child,
Luke, was born with several medical
conditions that affected his development. Luke began Easterseals
physical, occupational and speech therapy through First Steps. “Luke’s
physical therapist was absolutely amazing,” Katy said. “She had a way of
pushing him further than he or I knew he could go.”
Then Luke attended the Dan & Nancy Mitchell Therapeutic Preschool
at Easterseals. “They were an absolute blessing to our family,” Katy said.
“Luke really took off… He started talking more, he became potty trained,
he started recognizing his letters and colors. Luke told me one time that
he loved his teacher there like he loved me. Luke is 8 now, but we can still
drive by the building and he will say that’s his old school.”
Now Josh and Katy’s third child, Addison, is receiving Easterseals
therapies through First Steps. Addy was born at only 25 weeks and 3
days old, weighing 1 pound, 10 ounces. She was hospitalized for the first
136 days of her life. “She has been receiving services from Easterseals
through First Steps since she came home,” Katy said. “She has the same
physical therapist that Luke had! Addy is 21 months old and continues to
amaze us every day!”
Katy and Josh are Presidents’ Council members, and Katy is now
the third family member to serve on the Easterseals Board of Directors.
“This was just one small way I could say thank you, and start to ‘repay’
Easterseals for what they have done for us,” she said.
Brad and Katy both hope to influence their own children the way Jim
and Mary Kay influenced them. Brad said, “More than just talking about it,
they reinforced it with us by their actions. Lynn and I try to set an example
for our kids through our words and our actions that we hope will inspire
them to see the importance and the value of helping others.”
Katy agrees. “Our parents have always led by example,” she said. “We
can only aspire to help as many people and organizations in our lifetime
as they have in theirs.”