Hope in Every Step Three-year-old Danielle Rey adores all things pink and lights up with her love for Taylor Swift. Yet behind her vibrant spirit lies a challenging medical journey that has already seen her endure two six-month hospital stays. Danielle Rey has Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, Hirschsprung’s Disease, congenital heart issues, and more. She requires round-the-clock …
Transforming Uncertainty into Independence For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has impacted thousands of local children with special needs, empowering them with the tools to unlock their full potential. With access to vital medical equipment, therapies, and socialization opportunities, Variety Kids’ possibilities are reimagined. After spending her childhood with the Variety family, 21-year-old Veronica is …
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Imo’s Pizza and Variety St. Louis teamed up once again to empower local kids and teens with special needs. On Wednesday, September 18, over 96 Imo’s locations participated in Imo’s for Kids Day with 10% of purchases donated to benefit Variety programs. At Imo’s iconic Hampon location, Variety Kid Jo Jo (6) and Variety Teen …
Resilient Remi When Sarah and Blake welcomed their son, Remington, they expected a smooth, healthy journey ahead. Despite an uncomplicated pregnancy, everything changed when Remi began having seizures shortly after birth, resulting in a 45-day stay in the NICU. As Remi grew, it became clear that while his body faced obstacles due to cerebral palsy, …
Easton’s story beautifully illustrates the transformative impact of Variety’s My Voice® program. Watch his journey below and see how this vital assistive technology empowers Easton to share his unique voice with the world. Empowering Variety Kids Through Communication Imagine being unable to communicate verbally – how would this impact your daily life? Many children with …
Highlights from Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. 51 talented kids and teens took the stage from August 9 to 11 to perform Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., captivating audiences and championing a message of inclusion. This dedicated cast, featuring kids with and without disabilities, spent three weeks together diving into an underwater adventure. Along the way, they …
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Unleashing Hudson’s Full Potential Nine-year-old Hudson showcases the transformative impact that takes place when children with special needs gain access to the right programs and opportunities. Born with a brain injury that led to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Hudson has faced significant challenges from the very start. Spending 28 days in the NICU and …
Easton’s Speech-tacular Success Communication tools are critical for local children and teens with special needs, empowering them with the resources to connect with the world around them. Children who have difficulty communicating verbally significantly benefit from speech therapy and Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. However, despite their importance, many families face barriers in accessing these …
Inside Look at Finding Nemo Jr. Learn about the upcoming performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. and partnership with the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) from the Director and Producers! Robin Diehl Robin Diehl serves as Variety’s Programs Director, ensuring the operational success of all Variety programs. She has served Variety Kids and their families …
Paxton’s Path to Independence At five years old, Paxton’s smile serves as his superpower, radiating joy despite facing intense challenges starting at the very beginning of his life. Born weighing just 5 lbs. 3 oz at full term, Paxton was immediately admitted into the NICU. Just three weeks later, he battled sepsis and was hospitalized …
Spotlight on Variety Alum Gracie Since 1933, Variety provides innovative programs that break barriers, providing unique opportunities for local kids and teens to unleash their full potential and enjoy their childhood. When they transition into adulthood, Variety Kids utilize the many skills gained through Variety to pursue their passions. Now 21 years old, Variety Alum …
In a world where communication is often taken for granted, Variety gives local kids and teens the tools to fully express themselves. Seven-year-old Clarkson faces verbal communication barriers, but with speech therapy and the aid of a communication device, he now shares thoughts and feelings proudly. Clarkson’s whole world changed when his speech therapist recommended …
Since being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, seven-year-old Ezra has faced significant barriers that have limited his mobility. Maneuvering his manual wheelchair has been a challenge, forcing Ezra to rely on others to navigate his surroundings. When Ezra’s family connected with Variety, it marked a pivotal moment, not …
“This year, I ran the Boston Marathon to support Variety…” Todd Oswald, devoted Variety Dad and running enthusiast, took on the monumental challenge of running the 127th Boston Marathon in 2023. Todd was invited to participate in the iconic race in support of a charity of his choosing. For him, the decision was obvious. Although …
Madi Navigates Her Next Chapter For 90 years, Variety has empowered kids with the life-changing tools to thrive during childhood and beyond. Before Madi and her family found Variety, they exemplified the struggles faced by thousands of families desperately searching for solutions to address their child’s basic needs. Madi’s family faced impossible choices, and since …
Variety Teen Jian Jian’s Drive for Independence Eighteen-year-old Jian Jian is a testament to the power of Variety when paired with unwavering determination. For 90 years, Variety has removed barriers that prevent kids and teens from pursuing their passions and shaping their futures. With Variety’s help, Jian Jian is now armed with the tools to …
Variety Alum Sarah Advocates for Inclusion For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood. No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability …
Bikes for Kids 2023: A Ticket to Adventure “Once again, Variety is making the impossible, possible.” Families could not contain their enthusiasm as more than 200 local children received the gift of a new bike at Variety’s annual Bikes for Kids event on November 18 at Parkway Central High School. Bikes give children the freedom …
From Camper to Counselor: Chase’s First Paycheck All Variety programs empower kids and teens with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to achieve their goals for the future. For many, that future involves transitioning into the workforce. During Disability Employment Awareness Month, Variety acknowledges the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities. Today, we celebrate Variety …
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TherHappy Kid August Makes His Mark Six-year-old August and his family cherish quality time through shared creativity. Each family member has their own spot at the dining room table to create works of art, and August’s father – an artist himself – encourages coloring outside of the lines. Now covered in clay, watercolor, and permanent …
