RYAN LESLIE,
KY ADULT REPRESENTATIVE
Ryan Leslie was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. Complications include
spastic quadriplegia lordosi, which causes widespread damage to the brain or
significant brain malformations. He has also sustained damage to his optic nerve.
But even his everyday challenges don't bring him down.
"Ryan is the friendliest and funniest person I know," says Deanna Ridgeway,
LPN. "Everyone loves Ryan and Ryan loves everyone." Ridgeway works with
Ryan daily at Easter Seals West Kentucky's Adult Day Care Center. "It doesn't
matter to Ryan who is taking care of him, he loves all the staff."
The Adult Day Care Center at Easter Seals West Kentucky is a place where
individuals with severe disabilities can come, participate in social activities and
receive the needed medical and personal care. The center's staff includes
nurses, certified nurses aides and personal care assistants committed to
providing the best care in a home-like atmosphere. In addition to the care
provided to the individuals, it is a respite opportunity for care-givers.
"Ryan loves going to Easter Seals; he goes every day," states his mother,
Sabrina. "The staff is wonderful and the program is great. They are always
doing something there, whether it be social activities or field trips. Ryan loves it
all!" Sabrina added Ryan's favorite activities are going out into the garden and
going to the mall, just to ride around7and shop.
How does Ryan's time at Easter Seals help his mother. "When Ryan is at Easter
Seals, I can get things done that need to be done. I can work, run errands and
just have time. Then when Ryan comes home, I can focus on him. We can relax
and talk about his day. My time with Ryan is important."
Through the contributions to the Lions Club/WPSD Local 6 Telethon of Stars,
Ryan and his friends at Easter Seals West Kentucky's Adult Day Care Center will
continue to receive the services needed to enhance their lives. "With the help of
Easter Seals, Ryan is living a life with quality."
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