Grandmothers sprinkle stardust over children’s lives
- Author Unknown
FroM Birth,
I suspected there was something different. When Jake was in the nursery, I watched the nurses and doctors going back and forth to his little crib — I didn’t want to say anything but I was thinking, “Something is not right.” When Jake was two, complicated surgery on his hips left him in a body cast for several months. Flat on his back, he could not move. He was not talking. I slept with the little guy every night — he needed someone there 24/7 to watch over him. As a family, we were starting to realize that Jake’s disability might be more complicated than hip problems and low muscle tone. It was at that point our special version of communicating emerged... Growing up in a firstgeneration Italian family and not speaking the language, I learned at a very early age to listen with all of my senses. With Jake, it was this “listening with my heart” that bonded us.
I let him be a boy
I always knew what Jake wanted and needed. And he understood me. Looking into each other’s eyes became our way of talking. To this day, even though Jake has very few words, we talk all the time. If I speak directly to Jake, and read his eyes, his smile, his frown, or the smallest gesture, I know what he is saying. Jake came to P.G. Chambers School at three years old for preschool. The doctors’ words echoed in our minds — “Jake will never walk, Jake will never talk, Jake will not learn things easily.” Jake’s preschool teacher Kathy thought differently. She never believed that message about what Jake could not or would not do — for her, it was all about
what Jake could and would do. Today, Jake is not only walking, but he can also be seen around the school halls smiling, riding his bike, and saying hello to everyone he sees! Sometimes I question how protective people can be around children with disabilities — being so careful to not let them fall, take risks, or try something physically challenging. I believe we must give these children a chance — to climb a tree or a fence. So I let Jake climb that tree. He may not always succeed, but how happy he is to be given the chance to try! Jake’s days are full! I never allow him to be idle, keeping him moving, busy, and interested in the world around him. And that attitude is fostered in our home. OK, not everyone puts an above-ground pool in their heated garage, but Jake loves the water and loves to swim, so that is what we did — no apologies! People often say to me, “Your life is so completely devoted to Jake and his parents, how do you do it?” My answer is simple — I just do. I have always believed
that family is the most important thing in life. And our unique situation works for us because of the respect and the trust that we have for each other as we share our daily lives. P.G. Chambers School is wonderful for Jake. Each day I leave him with a confidence that this is truly a place where he will learn and grow. I know that he is in expert hands and the staff are some of the most caring people I have ever met. Like me, they expect Jake to work hard. They push him just enough, and they understand how to help him.
P.G. Chambers School is wonderful for Jake
I ask you to become partners with us in helping Jake and the hundreds of children involved with the school through your generous support. It will be the best gift you ever gave. Nana says so!
Officers of the Board of Trustees Unjeria C. Jackson, M.D. President Thomas J. Walsh Vice President Lori Solomon Vice President and Treasurer Susan Seamans Secretary and Executive Director Board of Trustees Joanne Balady Anthony Bonanno James J. Brazel Patricia Chambers Jerry DeFrancisco Eric C. Elbell Walter Kneis Aftab Malik Pavan Mehta John Mulhearn Gwen Packard Keith Savel Wendy Tait Steve Vittorio
To read more of Jake and Nana’s story, please visit www.chambersschool/Jake
At P.G. Chambers School (PGCS), “discovering potential” is at the heart of our mission, inspiring us to provide the best, most comprehensive special education and therapy programs for children with disabilities and developmental delays and inclusive early education for all children. We strive to instill a love of learning, encourage independence, and most importantly, inspire unshakable self-confidence. Our children are successful, as we have made this our singular focus for more than 60 years, building a reputation for excellence recognized throughout New Jersey. Each year, PGCS provides services for more than 800 children and their families, both on-site at our school’s state-of-the-art facility, as well as off-site in homes, childcare centers, and schools. PGCS children benefit from individualized instruction, the latest technology, community partnerships, and highly qualified educators, therapists, nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, and administrators. We expect all students to make measurable academic improvements, communicate effectively, achieve independence and self-confidence, and, when the time is right, participate in their community schools. P.G. Chambers School is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Tax ID #22-1551480. Information concerning charitable solicitations may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 609.292.4925. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.