Young Ambassadors
BRIANNA HUDSON -
SPRINGVILLE LEAGUE FOR THE HANDICAPPED
These young people represent two of the charities
that Variety supports through the annual Telethon. Please take a minute to get to know these very special children,
as written by their parents and the children themselves.
For information on Variety - The Children's Charity of Buffalo & Western New York,
Please call us at (716) 854-7577 or e-mail us at:
vcstaff@varietykidstelethon.com
Brianna Hudson is the 10-year-old Variety Kids Telethon Youth Ambassador representing Springville League for the Handicapped Preschool Learning Center. At 10 months of age, with roads closed for 7 feet of snow, Bri's family made their first of many trips to Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and later, their numerous clinics. That was the turning point into the world of special needs. Brianna was evaluated during that first year and found to have several diagnoses of microcephaly, developmental delay, Angelman Syndrome phenotype, Polymicrogyria (PMG) and seizure disorder, and Reis Buckler cornea dystrophy. She began receiving all therapies at home through Erie County Early Intervention Services, and it was thought then that (in brief) Brianna would never walk, likely not talk, never live on her own, and possibly have a shortened life span due to medical complications.
At Age 2, she and her family found Springville League for the Handicapped to be an educational home and environment where she could receive center-based global services to foster her plan of care. The teachers, therapists and family resource staff became like nurturing family members. Brianna did indeed learn to walk independently at Age 3, and also received her first augmentative communication device to assist in closing the gap between her receptive and expressive skills. Through The League's invaluable support and guidance, Brianna graduated Kindergarten five and a half years later as a blossoming young lady of personality, social wit and academic skill.
Brianna then transferred to Buffalo Public School #84 Health Care Center for Children at E.C.M.C. where she continues to celebrate successful progress, as she was honored with the Kiwanis Club of Buffalo's "B.U.G.S." Award for "Bringing Up Grades In School" in 2010. She ice skated for two years in the S.A.B.A.H. School Day Program and was pictured in a local paper in 2008. Brianna has also been a four-year student of Moving Miracles Dance in West Seneca, triggered by their outreach program to Springville League during her attendance there years ago. In 2009, she received the Erica Lyon Spirit Award "in recognition of her enthusiasm, energy and love of dance" and was captured in The Buffalo News.
Brianna lives in West Falls with her mother Kim, father Steve, and teenage brother Brandon, who has been labeled by professionals as her "A-1 Motivator". Her pal and "home therapist" is their small dog Cindy Lou Who. In addition to dance and music, Brianna's interests include Dora, Disney Princess, camping, snowmobiling, and horses.
RACHEL LYONS-
CHILDREN'S GROWTH FOUNDATION
Rachel Lyons is the 15 year old Variety Kids Telethon Young Ambassador representing he Children's Growth Foundation. Prior to birth Rachel was diagnosed with VATER syndrome, a multi faceted chromosome disorder which affected her heart, spine, lower body strength and other body functions as well. She was only three months old when she had her first surgery. She required years of physical and occupational as well as speech therapies. In spite of this Rachel kept a smile on her face.
At 18 months old Rachel began participating in SABAH as the youngest child ever accepted. We marveled at her progress. Sadly, sometime later we would find out there was to be another diagnosis, Turner syndrome, also a chromosome disorder with various components. This was a setback but we moved forward with a positive attitude which we got from Rachel. In spite of these conditions and the surgeries, and spending a lot of time at Children's Hospital not to mention lots of other medical appointments, Rachel continued to thrive and amazed us with that smile and "let's go" nature.
Rachel has been blessed with many caring and dedicated medical professionals in her life who have been entered on the Rachel Wall of Fame. Here are but just a few: Dr. Luther Robinson (Genetics), Dr. Lou Ann Gartner (Endocrinology), Dr. Joe Orie (Cardiology), Dr. Jean Ann Marfurt (Primary) Dr. Tom Mazur Psychologist and Founder Of the Turner Syndrome Support group among many other things. He, with the assistance of staff members Mary Powers and Allison Dombek work tirelessly to provide (among other things), an atmosphere of camaraderie among the girls and their families while at the same time helping them to navigate through the difficulties of having these conditions. This past fall they put together a wonderful camping trip for the families which they attended themselves and I know the kids will never forget it. It was also the start of new friendships. We are all very grateful to them!
Rachel has been an active volunteer in the Town of Tonawanda as well as other places like St. Luke's Mission since fourth grade. Whether it is in Neighborhood Watch or CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) where mom is Chairwoman for many years, Rachel knows and employs the values of giving to the community. She worked in a shelter along with Dr. Robinson helping people displaced by the "October Surprise" storm. Growing up around the police department has afforded Rachel many a role model. One such person is Robert Lutz paramedic and lead instructor for the CERT program. At 13 years old Rachel prepared and presented a power point presentation for the class.
Rachel loves animals especially dogs, cats and horses. Other favorite activities are but are not limited to: swimming, ice skating, biking, bowling, music, and hanging out with friends. Rachel is a technology addict and is rarely seen without a camera in hand. She aspires to be a photo journalist.
Inside and out of her medical world Rachel has blossomed into a caring and sharing young lady who can't get enough of life or humor. She is a gift to us just as I'm sure these other special kids have been to their families. We are in wonder as they turn disabilities into abilities in ways few of us could. We applaud the work of the Variety Kids Telethon and all associated with it. We are so pleased and honored that Rachel will be an Ambassador for the Variety Kids Telethon!
50th Annual
Sunday March 25, 2012
Official Countdown To Telethon 2012:
