Physical, occupational and speech therapy causes benefited from the yearly Easter Seals Southwestern Indiana telethon, which set a precedent by raising more than $1 million during its telethon last month, according to published reports.
Never before had the telethon pushed past that million-dollar mark until the April 15 event, the group's website states. The Evansville Courier & Press reports almost 95 percent of the 5,250 clients supported by Easter Seals Southwestern Indiana are dependent on partial or full financial assistance for therapeutic needs, according to organization spokeswoman Pam Kirk.
Ali Shanks was born with a spinal condition that has required her to work with people holding occupational therapy jobs at Easter Seals since she was a 3-year-old. Her mother Peggy noted how grateful she is for both how her daughter has advanced and what the service offers.
"My husband and I are just proud of everything she accomplishes," Shanks told the news source. "She's come a long way, and I don't think she would be where she's at today if it weren't for Easter Seals."
Ali visits the center three times per week – once for occupational therapy, once for physical therapy and once for swimming lessons, the publication reports.