Meet Our Ambassadors

Photo courtesy of Jacqueline Pix 2013

Kind, determined and hardworking are just a few words to describe our 2013 Ambassadors. Bradley Brooks, Jack Rhodes, Bella Esposito and Sam Altdoerffer have been selected by the staff to help educate the community about living with a disability.

Five-year-old Bradley Brooks will capture your heart the moment you meet him! He is a social little guy who always has a smile on his face and a hug to brighten your day. Bradley initially began coming to the Center to learn to walk when he was about two and a half years old; he now receives physical, occupational and speech-language therapy and attends the S.T.A.R.S. Preschool. Bradley has cerebral palsy as a result of shaken baby syndrome at the age of 4 weeks. Schreiber Pediatric has given Bradley's family peace of mind and more importantly, trust in others for his very best care. They credit the Center for Bradley's many successes and say it truly is his favorite place to go.

Six-year-old Jack Rhodes is described by his family as kind and funny and like any young boy, he loves pretending to be a superhero and playing with monster trucks! At the age of just 18 months, Jack began experiencing moderate hearing loss and within a year was deaf. During this time, he worked closely with a Schreiber speech therapist to continue to communicate using sign language. Around the age of 3, Jack received bilateral cochlear implants and with his new access to sound, began to speak. Today, Jack is enrolled in mainstream kindergarten and testing similarly to his hearing peers-—an amazing accomplishment in such a short period of time! His parents praise his therapist for educating and advocating for them, as well as being an amazing cheerleader to help Jack get where he is today.

Bella Esposito is a sweet six-year-old with a happy disposition and an adorable giggle. She loves girl scouts, dance class, her older siblings and the color pink! Although she was born with cerebral palsy, Bella has a 'can do'attitude that has helped her make tremendous strides and participate in a wide variety of activities just like her peers. Bella has been coming to Schreiber Pediatric since she was just a few months old and receives physical, occupational and aquatic therapy to help her strengthen her muscles for balance and walking and works on fine motor skills for self care. Bella's family describes Schreiber as a place where there are no disabilities-—only abilities; a loving environment that continues to help their little girl thrive.

Nine-year-old Sam Altdoerffer always arrives for therapy with a smile and truly brightens each and every one of his therapists' day! His family describes him as friendly, caring and smart and we couldn't agree more. Born with cerebral palsy, Sam receives physical, occupational and speech-language therapy at the Center twice a week. He is currently strengthening his muscles to sit up, stand and walk; practicing his consonant sounds for speech; learning skills for daily living and practicing with an iPad. Sam enjoys reading and would like to be a librarian when he grows up, as well as help others-—what an inspirational little guy!

Our four Ambassadors will attend Schreiber Pediatric's 2013 special events. Be sure to say 'hello' when you see them!