What Does Special Kids Mean to You?

My analogy for wanting to help Special Kids with this event is simple; it is the same reason big, close-knit families have family reunions. When families become associated with Special Kids, it is clear for anyone who has visited that the relationship between the family and Special Kids evolves quickly beyond provider/patient to truly becoming a family. So just like a grandparent that has not seen their grandkids for a long time, I am glad to be able to reunite the staff of Special Kids with as many of their "extended" family as possible.

Emily Pegg, a Team ASK competitor comments on what her child partner means to her:

I love having a child partner, because it makes the running about more than just me. Sometimes I think all the hours I train and run could be seen by others as being selfish. I could spend that time doing other things--cleaning my house, extra time with my children, more time to volunteer. By being a part of Team ASK, I have turned something I love into something that benefits others.

Karen Horsby, a Team ASK competitior comments on what Team ASK means to her:

Team ASK is not about any particular road race, or any particular runner. It's all about the VERY special children of God that are served every day at Special Kids. Thanks to all the administrative staff and employees for their tireless devotion to seeing that the needs of these children are met.

Testimony #1:

"I love the Skilled Nursing staff to death!" says Brandy Brady, mother of Special Kids Skilled Nursing participant Preston, who has chronic congestion problems. "I worry whenever I leave Preston with anyone, but not with those nurses! They"ve been good to us. Recently, Preston had to be put on oxygen while at Special Kids for his breathing difficulties. The nurses called an ambulance and got him the care he needed. They came to support us at the hospital, and when he was released I took him back to Special Kids just two days later."

Testimony #2:

"Sarah has been coming to Special Kids for 5 years now," explains guardian Doris Asbury of the 6-year-old little girl who has congenital heart malformation. From her outward appearance, one would never know that little Sarah has special needs. "The Special Kids staff are her family as much as we are! When we are going to the facility Sarah says, "Let"s go and get my assessment and make sure I"m doing well today!" The Skilled Nursing staff has helped Sarah to look at her illness and understand that she"s not the only one with a condition and that she should love everyone. She doesn"t see physical disabilities when she looks at people.she sees people. They"ve taught her that, and they"ve given her acceptance!"

Testimony #3:

"My child was at SK from 20 months old to 3 years 3 months. He looked forward to seeing his therapists every week. It is remarkable how well he has overcome the delays he had to start with. Thank you!"

Community Testimony:

"The thing that strikes us about Special Kids is that Special Kids also roots its ministry in that 2,000 year old ministry of healing and sees itself, in some ways, as partnering with God in the care of others...And so, given the kind of care that Special Kids is a part of, the tremendous need they are meeting, and in many ways, how they are the only ones on the front line, we though it was just being a good steward of our resources and our mission to partner, so we really see this as a beginning!"

2004 Special Kids Heritage Partner
~ Timm Glover, Vice President of Missions and Leadership Formation, MTMC