Free Zoo Day for Kids

Meet Duncan, a genuine overcomer and a Walk With Me Ambassador

They sat in disbelief outside of the neonatal intensive care unit. Duncan's parents were having trouble processing what the pediatric neurologist was telling them. "Your son may not walk, talk or see."

Duncan had suffered a stroke within seven days of his birth, which resulted in diagnoses of cerebral palsy, cortical blindness, intractable epilepsy, and developmental delay. Despite the hundreds of tests, the experts could never determine its cause. The doctor said time would tell how well he would function. Unsure of what lay ahead for their newborn with serious medical issues, they began to connect with specialists.

That newborn grew into the wonderful 19-year-old we know today, a young man with a joyful smile and wise eyes. Duncan can walk, talk and see, thanks to his large care team.  Easter Seals Greater Houston's wrap-around services have been invaluable resources to Duncan and his parents for two decades. They have loved everything from the Parents’ Night Out program that provided respite for his mom and dad to the fantastic summer camp programming that Duncan adored. Today, Duncan is in his third year at The Caroline School and is thriving thanks to the dedication of the outstanding teaching team. He also utilizes the on-site Children's Therapy Clinic whose therapists are intensely committed to his progress and collaborate closely with his parents.

"Life for our precious boy and our family isn’t easy: he has major tone and gait issues, executive functioning difficulty, and speech challenges. Each member of our care team is focused on doing all they can for him to have a prosperous life. We thank God each and every day for them!" - Catherine, Duncan's Mom