At first glance, it might look like an ordinary moment: an 11-year-old boy getting himself a drink from the refrigerator. But for Brandy, it was something much bigger.
For the first time at 11 years old, Duncan got up, grabbed a cup, grabbed the juice from the fridge, took the cap off without help, poured without spills, put the cap back on, and returned everything to its place, remembering even to close the door.
“I didn’t have to get up. He didn’t need help. He could finally get a drink by himself.”
That single glass of juice represented more than a mastered skill. It reflected years of persistence, therapy, and access; access that would not have existed for their family without Variety. Moments like this didn’t happen overnight, and they weren’t guaranteed.
Brothers Duncan (11) and Simon (8) are living with Fragile X syndrome, a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder. Their mom, Brandy, received Duncan’s diagnosis while she was pregnant with Simon. Before that, Duncan had gone through multiple rounds of autism testing, often without clear answers.
“Duncan had a significant gap in therapy from age three until he was approved by Variety because insurance would only cover services under an exact autism diagnosis code, not Fragile X; even though Fragile X is a leading known cause of autism.”
Although both boys received early intervention services, access to outpatient therapy became difficult once those services ended. School-based support covered what was required in the classroom, but it didn’t always address the daily life skills Duncan needed to build independence at home.
After hearing about Variety several times, Brandy finally connected with a therapy provider who helped her apply. Duncan began receiving occupational therapy, and eventually the family transitioned to Wonder Works Pediatric Therapy, where both boys could continue occupational and speech therapy with support from Variety.
Through connecting with Variety and getting approved for outpatient therapy, Brandy and her boys were given consistency: finally having a reliable routine of therapy sessions, the support to work toward long-term goals, and the ability to build skills over time.
That access extended beyond therapy sessions. A few years ago, Duncan and Simon both received bikes from Variety through the Bikes for Kids program.
“We had spent a lot of money on family outings before, only to have a meltdown within 10 minutes and have to leave, so I was hesitant to invest in bikes.”
Once their bikes arrived, however, there was no looking back. Duncan was fitted for an adult-sized tricycle, which quickly became his favorite-and only-form of exercise.
“He’ll ride in circles for hours and hours,” shared Brandy with a smile.
Access to adaptive equipment and individualized therapy opens pathways for children that wouldn’t otherwise exist, pathways to confidence, movement, and joy.
“Without Variety, we wouldn’t have access to outpatient therapy at all.”
If Duncan needed therapy for something specific to daily life that wasn’t addressed at school, the family would have no options. Skills like jumping, balancing, or lifting a foot can take months-or even years-of consistent practice.
“Duncan has gained so much through his OT: he’s developed confidence and the ability to go into new social situations.”
For Brandy, the true impact of therapy funded by Variety shows up in moments like that glass of juice; moments that represent independence rather than accommodation.
“Without Variety’s funding, we would have given up long ago; not given up completely, but settled.”
Instead of settling, Duncan and Simon are able to keep reaching for bigger goals.
“They’ve learned they can do things by themselves.”
Working in a therapy clinic gives Brandy a unique perspective. She sees children grow when they’re given access, and how quickly progress can slip away when support isn’t there. For families like hers, access isn’t just helpful; it’s everything. When that access is available early and consistently, progress doesn’t stall, it builds.
For Brandy, supporting Variety means supporting moments like Duncan’s first independent glass of juice, and every milestone still ahead.
“I’m thankful because my children are the entire reason I do anything in my life. Anyone willing to contribute to their growth is a love of my life forever. Variety gives my kids their whole life. So keep supporting these kids.”
Through the generosity of donors, families like Brandy’s don’t have to settle. They get to keep moving forward; one milestone, one moment, and one glass of juice at a time.