At just five years old, Julian’s determination shines as bright as his smile. Living with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, he faces challenges daily, but thanks to support from Variety St. Louis and our generous community partners, Julian is making incredible progress toward independence, confidence and joy.
Before receiving therapy and equipment through Variety, physical activity was often difficult and uncomfortable for Julian. His parents, Adrian and Jessica, recall how even simple movement exercises would cause him distress.
“Before Julian started getting physical therapy through Variety, he struggled to use adaptive equipment and undertake physical activity because of severe discomfort,” they shared. “He would start to cry whenever we placed him in a stander or gait trainer. Now, not only has he gained skills to work toward independent mobility, but he enjoys exercise, therapy, and using his adaptive equipment.”
With regular physical therapy and the right supports, Julian’s confidence has flourished. His activity chair helps him stay comfortably positioned so he can focus on learning and connecting with others.
“It gives him the support he needs to focus on developing functional skills through engaging with therapists, friends, and siblings,” said Adrian and Jessica. “It also helps him engage with his communication devices by freeing him from having to concentrate on sitting up and positioning.”
Perhaps most notably, Julian’s new lower extremity orthotics have given him the freedom to move more independently and safely. His prior orthotics were too small and caused significant discomfort, but now with a better-suited pair, his determination matches his support.
“Now that he’s able to safely and comfortably stand, he’s able to enjoy the mobility that comes from using his gait trainer,” said Adrian and Jessica. “It’s so special to see his independence and self-satisfaction now that he’s learning to walk again.”
Julian’s adaptive stroller has also been a game changer for family outings. Funded through support Variety receives from Productive Living Board of St. Louis County (PLB), the stroller allows him to fully participate in the world around him.
“It’s been so vital to helping him feel comfortable and supported so that he can focus on developing new functional abilities and skills,” his parents said. “We can see a big difference in his level of engagement when using the stroller.”
Even in everyday moments like car rides, the difference Variety and PLB have made is clear. Julian’s seating system has been critical to his ability to tolerate car rides and stay engaged with his family in a variety of vehicles. The seat, which swivels, has made transfers into the car much easier for Adrian and Jessica and much safer for Julian. With greater support and comfort, his parents have noticed increased tolerance on long car rides, fostering more shared experiences as a family.
Through Variety’s Equipment and Therapy Programs, Julian has gained access to tools that bridge the gap between his physical limitations and his goals. From his orthotics and activity bench to his seating system, each piece of adaptive equipment plays a key role in supporting his growth.
“Both his activity bench and orthotics allow him to learn to engage with adaptive communication devices, turn pages in a book, and even paint and make crafts, without the added burden of fatiguing from supporting his torso,” his parents shared. “We are so grateful to Variety, and Julian is too.”
Partnership Spotlight
This story is made possible through support Variety receives from of the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County (PLB), whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities by funding essential programs and services. Together, PLB and Variety St. Louis are helping children like Julian gain independence, confidence, and joy.
Julian’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when caring organizations come together to empower kids of all abilities. With every new milestone, Julian continues to inspire everyone around him. His journey is one of growth, determination, and joy; a testament that with the right support, every child can reach their full potential.