Skip Navigation
Part of the Easterseals National Network
Find Your Easterseals
Search
Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley
Two individuals holding craft kits in a lobby.

PJ's Passion for Giving Back

PJ's started with Easterseals at age 2 and continues to give back to the organization through his Eagle Scout projects!

PJ

PJ is a freshman at Benet Academy and is involved in choir, theater and Scouts BSA. He has performed in 14 musicals and plays, gaining confidence and developing a strong love for performing in front of an audience. 

Giving Back

PJ faced early challenges with mealtime routines, speech, and sleep. He was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder at 18 months old and his parents were told he may never speak in full sentences. His pediatrician recommended Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley and at 2 years old, PJ started Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy. He remembers spending hours in the therapy rooms blowing bubbles, exploring sensory rice and bean bins, and running obstacle courses while wearing weighted vests. By age 3, PJ transitioned into a half-day preschool program in his school district, continuing therapy in a school setting, while Easterseals supported his family in advocating for the services he needed to reach his goals and prepare for school. That early support now comes full circle.

Now an Eagle Scout, PJ chose Easterseals as the focus of his service project as a way to give back to the families, staff, and therapists who have supported him along the way. For his project, PJ organized 600 craft kits to support our client families from January through June. Each kit is filled with engaging developmental activities for children and their siblings to use during therapy sessions or at home. To gather supplies, PJ created an Amazon Wishlist, which was fully purchased within 12 hours—and he went the extra mile by adding more items throughout the week, all generously donated by supporters. 

PJ with his family standing in the Easterseals lobby.

I chose Easterseals because I wanted to do something that would make an impact on children who were like me.

— PJ

More Like This

See All
  • A young child smiling at the camera.

    Growing Independence: Vivian

    Two-year-old Vivian receives Nutrition Therapy from Manager & Pediatric Nutrition Therapist, Cindy Baranoski, MS, RDN, LDN, through Early Intervention. Through her diagnoses, she has made significant progress and continues to gain independence each day!
  • Photo of Raizel holding a gold medal at Special Olympics

    Growing with Courage, Community, and Hope

    Raizel's journey began at Easterseals at just five months old. After her diagnosis, she began multidisciplinary therapy services. Almost 19 years later, she has achieved huge milestones!
  • Child on playground looking to the side

    Julian's Journey

    Julian was born three months premature and diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was two-years-old. Julian attended the Lily Garden Childcare Center for over three years, which offered tremendous support to him and his father. Julian made significant strides in learning social skills, achieving more independence and making friends in his class.