THANK YOU!
United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island is celebrating 75 amazing years…thank you for believing that people
with disabilities deserve every opportunity to lead a life without limits!
We wouldn’t be here without YOU! With YOU by our side, we look forward to the NEXT 75 years!
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Dear Friends,
Pennie is 11 years old and has attended The Children’s Center since she was three. “I grew up around the corner from The Children’s Center,” Pennie’s mom, Kim, shares. “I was aware of the school but never really understood what happened there…” Fast forward 30 years and Pennie was born.
Pennie was born via emergency C-section. Within moments, she began turning blue, rushed to the NICU, intubated and remained hospitalized for the next eight months. At three weeks old, Pennie was diagnosed with Haddad Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder characterized by the combination of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and Hirschsprung disease. People with CCHS require mechanical ventilation because they stop breathing while they sleep.
“The brain doesn’t send the signal to breath,” Kim explains. Complicating this, Hirschsprung disease impacts the intestinal function. Following a period of home-based therapies, Kim enrolled Pennie at The Children’s Center when she turned three. At first, separation was a challenge. Pennie only attended part-time for speech, physical and occupational therapies, and was accompanied by a nurse. But by the next year, Pennie was comfortable enough to attend full time.
“She was taking the bus and everything!” Kim said, proudly. “Pennie dreaded leaving home, dreaded going anywhere. Now she looks forward to school. Each morning, she sits by the door: Get my shoes, I’m ready! Let’s go! She has come so far, thanks to The Children’s Center.”
“One of Pennie’s most significant milestones is walking. Pennie was hooked up to medical equipment, making it hard to move around. PT at the school helped Pennie to become an independent walker – it has made her so much stronger.” Pennie is very close to her older sisters, Kahlan and Sammie. Kahlan shares the school helped Pennie’s socialization and her ability to maintain eye contact. “Thanks to The Children’s Center, Pennie is now comfortable hugging!”
Kahlan volunteers to read to Pennie and her classmates, and the whole family attends school events. This extends to Kim’s sister and brother-in-law, who recently attended The Children’s Center Sweetheart Dance. They enjoyed the day so much that the following month, Kim’s brother-in-law’s company sponsored the school’s Character Brunch, and brought their employees as volunteers. “This was a way for our family to give back to The Children’s Center for everything that they have done for Pennie. The school means so much to all of us.”
This holiday, please consider a gift to UCP of Long Island. You may use the enclosed envelope or donate online at www.ucp-li.org. For 75 years we have been an important resource to families who need us, yet we need your help to continue to provide the innovative programs and personalized care that allows every child and adult we serve to thrive.
Thank you for your generosity. We wish you a happy holiday season and a peaceful 2026.
Sincerely,
Colleen Crispino
President & CEO
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