Community Stories

This article was first published in Spectrum of Progress: Health edition of The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register and The Times Leader on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The Patrick family of Wheeling first brought their son, Aidan, to Easterseals 15 years ago when he was 3. As Aidan turned 18 on Feb. 28, mom Patty reflects on the impact Easterseals had not just on Aidan but on the whole family.

Julia Sayre, 8, is working with speech, occupational, and physical therapists at Easterseals to live life to the fullest. She was the featured Easterseals client at the Kalkreuth fundraising dinner this year.

Emma Waldron, 10, is Nailers goaltender Taylor Gauthier's biggest fan. The pair met during the 2025 Inclusion on Ice event organized by Easterseals, Augusta Levy Behavioral Services, Wheeling Nailers and advocate David George.

Easterseals Clinical Coordinator Melanie Skrzypek, OT-R, has had a lifelong connection to Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, starting when she was an infant receiving therapy.