Boardman walk promotes children’s health

April 15, 2012 at 12:09a.m.

BOARDMAN

Hunter Crites of Austintown envisions being able to one day drive a car and see New York City.

Those likely are ambitions many 10-year-olds share — though they take on special significance for Hunter, who until about a year ago was unable to walk independently.

“I walked one time around the trail,” said an excited Hunter, who was born with cerebral palsy, a common congenital childhood disorder that affects muscle control, movement and coordination.

He was referring to his participation in Saturday’s annual “Make the First Five Count” walk at Boardman Park.

An estimated 200 people of all ages participated individually or as team members for the two-hour walk to heighten awareness of how important the first five years are to children’s development. The fundraiser also was to benefit Easter Seals and Youngstown Hearing & Speech Center’s programs for children and adults with special needs.

Another goal was to raise $18,000 to $20,000, all of which is to go to both agencies’ services and programs, noted Jodi Harmon, Easter Seals’ development and public-relations coordinator.

Attendees walked one, three or five miles along the park’s main trail, on which were numerous informational signs pertaining to programs and services from Easter Seals and the hearing and speech facility.

Leading the walk were Lily DeMarco, 5, and Cameron Shull, 8, Easter Seals’ 2012 child representatives. Lily and Cameron have developmental needs and cerebral palsy, respectively, Harmon said.

Offerings include aquatic, speech, physical and occupational therapy; audiology, nursing, adult day care and transportation services; in-home and weekend respite care; home-delivered meals; and a community center for those who are hearing impaired.

As he walked the paved trail with the assistance of forearm crutches, Hunter, an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, fondly recalled having recently met former Steelers’ wide receiver Hines Ward as well as current players such as linebacker James Farrior and safety Troy Polamalu.

“[Polamalu] gave me a football,” Hunter said proudly.

Also proud was Hunter’s mother, Stephanie, who said her son made tremendous progress last year after having been part of a suitability program that uses bungee cords and a cagelike device to pull and strengthen muscles. The therapy makes it easier for participants to stand and jump, she continued.

“Before the suitability, he could stand for 10 seconds and take five steps,” Stephanie recalled. “Three hours later, he walked probably 10 seconds, 15 seconds, and could stand for one minute by himself.”

Also with Hunter was his grand- mother Shirley Maloy.

James Griffiths, 13, who was born with CP, also made major strides, largely by gaining muscle tone and receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy via Easter Seals, said his mother, Lisa.

“He wants to walk,“ the Struthers woman said. “He’s trying to take steps and trying to get up on his knees to crawl.”

James, a seventh-grader at Leonard Kirtz School in Austintown, also uses an adaptive tricycle with a special headrest and seat that allow him to sit up and strengthen certain muscles, his mother noted, adding that he has progressed faster than she expected.

Also with James were his 5-year-old sister, Paige, and 11-year-old brother, Cory.

Helping with the walk were several volunteers, including Kelly Kingsley, whose mother, Sue, is an administrative assistant with Easter Seals.

“They do really great things for the community and children and adults with disabilities,” Kelly said, adding that she’s volunteered most of her life for the agency.

The annual event also featured face-painting and other activities for youngsters, as well as pony rides and a raffle.