PJ's Passion for Giving Back

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.