A letter from Steven’s mother, Robin

22 years ago, our son, Steven, was born five weeks premature, strangled by the umbilical cord, which resulted in severe brain damage. After spending several days in an incubator, he began to have massive seizures and was hospitalized for weeks. After testing and medication, we were given the frightening news that our child’s brain damage was so severe that he would never walk, talk, smile, move, or be able to do much of anything his entire life.

We had such high hopes, plans, and dreams for our baby. We had looked into the future and were expecting a very different life for our child and our family. When we received the doctor’s assessment, we were devastated and consumed with worry and grief. Eventually, Steven grew strong enough that we could bring him home to begin our new journey together. After 6 months of continuous hospital-based therapy, we learned of the Achievement Centers for Children.. That is when things began to change! The passion of the staff was palpable and the quality of services exceptional. Not only did they provide Steven with the tools to live his life to the fullest, they also provided us with a place to express our fears, reduce our stress, and celebrate success.

Steven graduated college Magna Cum Laude and is employed helping others, inspired by the people he grew up working with at the Achievement Centers.