You can help make Penelope's life and home more accessible to her. In the last couple of years, our amazing daughter Penelope has grown rapidly to the point at which she can no longer be lifted safely. For starters, she has been unable to access and enjoy our basement family room/playroom for the past two years because we cannot get her down there safely. We aim to raise funds for a motorized stair lift, which will make it safe and easy for her to access this space. Additionally, we need to install a transfer seat in one of our vehicles, allowing us to assist Penelope into and out of the vehicle without risking injury by lifting her. Your generosity can help us make everyday tasks and norms that others take for granted easier for Penelope.

Penelope is the oldest daughter of Anthony, a Long Island volunteer firefighter, and Melissa, a teacher. She was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder known as Emanuel Syndrome (ES). Due to her ES diagnosis, Penelope has global developmental delays, is non-verbal, and is non-ambulatory. In spite of these challenges, Penelope is a fun loving and happy little girl and anybody who interacts with her absolutely falls in love with her.

As Penelope has gotten older, basic care tasks are becoming more difficult for her parents, especially when it comes to lifting and transportation. In order to provide the best level of care and for the safety of everyone, Penelope’s family requires assistance in acquiring the following equipment and home modifications which they are unable to afford at this time.

·        Stair lift to allow Penelope access to the basement family room/playroom

·        Vehicle transfer seat to more easily allow access into the family car

·        Bathroom/Shower modifications

·        Adjustable Universal Changing Station

·        Home Physical therapy Equipment

·        Annual Private Intensive Physical Therapy Tuition

·        Repair/Replacement of Rotted Wooden Backyard Deck (has become a safety hazard...Penelope is happiest when she's out in the backyard!)

Some of the above items should be paid for through OPWDD/Medicaid, however due to the various bureaucratic red tape and nearly three-years of delays, the family is no closer to acquiring these services and can no longer wait for them.

Thank you for donating and/or sharing to give Penelope a more accessible life!