2012 Family Advocacy Day All-stars

Meet Johnathan S., Awendaw, SC

John is a healthy, handsome 14-year-old who likes fishing; playing football, soccer, and baseball; working on the computer; and making movies on his iPad. John was born deaf and learned American Sign Language to help him communicate. Though he could communicate with others, John wanted to hear sound. At the age of 13, John received bi-lateral cochlear implants, surgically implanted hearing aids, at The Children’s Hospital Medical University of South Carolina, where he still attends speech therapy. Since the surgery, John’s hearing is in the normal range and he is now in a mainstream classroom where his favorite subjects are math and English. After watching “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” John decided he wanted to go to Washington and tell everyone how his children’s hospital has helped him hear. Currently, John is in foster care and is looking for an adoptive family. John wants to go to college and become a chef or teacher of the deaf in other countries.

Meet Max P., San Clemente, CA

Max is a spirited 7-year-old boy who loves to act, swim, golf, play baseball and pal around with his brother, Ellison. Max is witty and wise. He was born with a heart defect – Tetralogy of Fallot – that requires him to wear a pacemaker. His family calls him “Turbo” because it gives him an extra boost.

Max had his surgeries at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and loves to give back to the community. He is a Celebrity Ambassador for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a Children’s Miracle Network Ambassador, has participated in over 20 events promoting children’s heath care issues and donates gifts and money from his charity birthdays to children’s causes.

You may have seen Max in his role as the Mini Darth Vader from the VW 2011 Superbowl commercial. He is also a recurring character on the Young and the Restless and has been in several national commercials. When he isn’t acting or helping charities, he is busy being an adventurous and active boy.

Meet Rebecca M., Shelton, CT

Rebecca has a chromosome abnormality so rare that in 2007 she was the only reported case in the world. Since her diagnosis, there have been two additional cases identified. Rebecca has remained resilient despite the serious complications associated with her condition which led to 16 hospitalizations in 22 months.

While speaking is a challenge for Rebecca, she communicates her needs and wants through limited vocabulary and American Sign Language. Her spunk and determination make an impression on everyone she meets.

Like many little girls, Rebecca loves dolls, dresses and getting her nails painted. Her love for life and family is enormous and she is a blessing to them. Her family is grateful to doctors at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital for the amazing progress she has made.

Meet Osvaldo S., Manassas, VA

Osvaldo is a smart, creative 7-year-old who loves to paint, draw and write stories. At 10 months old Osvaldo was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, a severe form of cerebral palsy that affects muscles in his core and in all four limbs. Osvaldo requires daily oral medication and receives Botox injections twice a year to help relax his muscles. In February 2010 he had surgery to stretch his muscles and correct his tibia bone. After this surgery Osvaldo was referred to The HSC Pediatric Center in Washington, DC, for physical and occupational therapy. At HSC, Osvaldo has participated in Kids in Action, an adaptive sports program that provides year-round sporting and social events for children with special needs and their siblings. Due to expert therapy at HSC and to his persistence and motivation, Osvaldo has started taking steps by himself this year. He makes everyone proud and walks a little farther every day, always smiling.