"The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children."
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
We recently had the Honor of being a voice for families affected by California's budget cuts in Special Education and Child Development Programs. For those who have followed us through our journey of parenting a preemie born 3 months early with medical challenges, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing the many incredible joys with us. And for those who'd love to learn more about our Miracle Mia can do so from the following posts:
Miracle of Life Story - How We Came To Be Believe Achieve Hugo and Roxanne
Miracle Mia's American Idol Story
Miracle Do Happen!
Prayers For Miracle Mia
A Poem for Miracle Mia - A Poem Written While Mia Recovered From Major Surgery
Our family was interviewed by local News station, ABC30, at Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU). This is where Miracle Mia receives Speech therapy, Occupational therapy and sees an Early Intervention Specialist. It's programs and centers, such as EPU, that give each child a healthy start. It's a special place where children with disabilities and their families can find support, services and gain a wealth of knowledge.
Our Miracle Mia was born with many medical challenges. Because of being "medically fragile," it delayed her from reaching developmental milestones such as sitting up, walking and even eating. If we didn't have the guidance of the teachers at EPU, it would have been more challenging for Hugo and I to help our daughter in the best way possible. We opted out on skilled nursing services, because we felt what Mia needed most was the unconditional loving care of her parents.
We soon transformed ourselves to being her around the clock nurses. But we still needed a resource to learn how to best help our Mia reach crucial developmental milestones. It was EPU and it's teachers who helped us along our journey to give Mia the healthy start she deserved.
We are ever so Thankful for all we have learned and Miracle Mia is living proof of how crucial programs such as EPU are for families with children of special needs. We find it a blessing to have been asked to be a face and an important voice for families who face losing these important resources.
What needs to be realized is: WE are more than just numbers and names on a piece a paper. WE are Families. WE are Parents. THEY are our Children. And WE are the people who devote every day in giving the best to them. Why make cuts on our Future?
We Believe the children ARE the future.
It would be a honor to have you view the short segment on the importance of early intervention services and to see our happy family during one of Mia's sessions. The segment aired a few Sundays ago and ABC30's website has just been updated with video. Click Here!
Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve
Hello Hugo and Roxanne,
ReplyDeleteWhat a good job you did standing up for the things that you and your family need. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing it with us. Hope that things work out for you and your family.
Dan and Deanna "Marketing Unscrambled"
Hi Hugo and Roxanne.
ReplyDeleteIt's only now that I discovered the reason behind this blog. Your daughter's story is actually quite comparable to the lifestory of Baby Hannah. She was born with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome or CCHS. I saw her on tv last year. When I saw her situation and her parents sacrifices I felt really sad... But Baby Hannah is still very blessed for having very loving parents who will do everything to give her a good life despite all the odds... Upon knowing your story, I felt even more grateful for knowing you both. I salute you for not giving up despite all the trials. You are not just good parents, you are great blessings for every person you meet and will meet.
BTW, if you are interested in visiting Baby Hannah's site here's the link http://hannahysabelle.multiply.com/
Be very blessed,
Rej
Dear Hugo and Roxanne - you've had a torrid time - but gone through the whole process with such amazing resilience. It's been an honour to know you and to meet with you on my two visits to San Diego and to have met the brilliant little kids!
ReplyDeleteI can only wish you all and all other families with struggles the best for the future - may God bless you and bring you peace as you go forward with your lives.
With love to you four - Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hi Dan and Deanna,
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your support! Things are going wonderful! Mia's story will surely get the word out about the importance of Early intervention and give hope to families with similiar situations. We're proud to have shared the video with all of you.
Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve
Hi Rej,
ReplyDeleteYou truly warmed our hearts. It's truly a blessing to know you, too. It's been wonderful getting know everyone through our blogging and sharing our experiences. Our children continue to be our Inspiration and having the support, from friends like you, inspires us to keep spreading our message of Believe Achieve.
Thank you so much for being YOU.
Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve
Hi Hilary,
ReplyDeleteSending you Hugs and Kisses!!
It has been an incredible journey, and along this journey, our paths crossed, too. So wonderful to have you in our lives. We look forward to our family seeing you again soon! This time in your neck of the woods! LOL
Much Love and Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo
Believe Achieve