Kayla and Chris

Easterseals Crossroads is proud to celebrate ability with the accomplishments of Chris and Kayla – two individuals who have used our services during the year.
Nine-year-old Kayla is a busy, happy girl – she enjoys school, church and playing with her sisters. Her mom LaShaunna brings her to Easter Seals Crossroads where she works on physical, occupational and speech-language therapy.
When Kayla was 1 1/2 years old, she sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident – a dresser fell on her while she was playing with her twin sister. While she was in the hospital, she contracted meningitis. Doctors told her family that Kayla would not be able to walk or speak, but after many therapy appointments and hours of hard work, Kayla is walking and learning to communicate.
Kayla’s Story

Chris developed a tumor on his spinal cord. Once removed, Chris was paralyzed from the waist down. Very soon after his surgery, Chris knew he wanted to get his life back on track as soon as he could.
“Driving was my number one goal because I knew if I wasn’t driving again, there were a lot of things I wouldn’t be able to do. I did not want to be a burden on my family or friends and driving seemed like it would be the way to relieve some of that burden,” said Chris.
“Easterseals Crossroads made that process possible for me. My whole life has definitely changed. When my 8-year-old son asked me if these changes were going to be forever, I told him that being different isn’t a bad thing.” said Chris.

Chris’ Story

Chris and Kayla represent 2 of the 6,500 individuals in our community whom we have served; individuals who never thought about needing us – until they did.