Dylan’s Story
He is always working his hardest at Meeting Street
Dylan is a very special youngster in the second grade at Meeting Street. When you meet him, your world immediately becomes a little brighter, a little happier.
He was born with very poor muscle tone and a variety of other developmental issues. When he was just a baby, he suffered seizures. It was thought he might never walk. It was also clear that he would have difficulty communicating.
Despite all that, Dylan is an easygoing youngster who hardly ever gets upset. He loves to eat and tease. Working with the staff at the school, Dylan has made great strides. He learned how to walk, slowly and with difficulty at first.
Now he runs! He practices in the gym twice a week, running laps back and forth each time. Last year Dylan actually ran in the CVS 5K as the crowd cheered him on. Hearing the cheers, Dylan stopped to take it all in and acknowledge the encouragement of his fans.
He now speaks some words - "Dad...I eat" being among his favorites. At the school, Dylan is known as "Mister Congeniality." His teachers are sure that he can make progress and they work very diligently with him. It is hard work for Dylan, but he is always trying while keeping his happy disposition.
Dylan lives with his mom, dad, his sister and two brothers. He is loved deeply by his family, but he has had a very special impact on his mother. As she worked with him to help him communicate, she realized what she wanted to do with her life. She is now studying to be a speech and hearing pathologist so she can not only help her son but other children with similar challenges.
"Even during the holidays with all the presents and fun, he misses Meeting Street and his friends there. He keeps a picture of his teacher, Ms. Tanisha on the fridge and smiles when he sees it. We are so lucky he is at such a wonderful school," said Dylan's mom in a recent phone interview.