My story of how I got into PFO is probably like a lot of other people’s. Children with disabilities, mentally and physically, is a heart-breaking thing to go through, but sadly it does happen.
A few years ago, my aunt was so happy to be pregnant with another baby girl. As a family does, we all put aside any problems that could go wrong with the pregnancy and hoped for the best. So in February, Ella Dunkelberger was born a beautiful baby girl.
Nothing was wrong at first, but we realized after a few months she was acting strangely. Doctors told my aunt that nothing was wrong, but in our hearts we knew something was up. So she continued to see doctors, until finally one realize that something was up. He told us that poor Ella had been diagnosed with autism.
As a family who has never had an autistic child, we didn’t know what autism was. But we soon learned, and got her into therapy as soon as possible. The whole family, including me, was so devastated! We didn’t even know if Ella would ever talk to us! Over time, though, with years of therapy and love, she slowly started speaking and playing with my sister and I. I tried my best to help Ella communicate with me, and it turns out, I was really good at it!
Then, one day, my mom saw something in the newspaper about Playing For Others. I knew right away that working with disabled children was something I wanted to do, so my mom and I looked into it, and here I am today :) Playing For Others has helped me not to judge other people without walking in their shoes for the day
PFO is changing my life more and more everyday, and the way I see other people. To become part of PFO is to become part of another child’s life. Many people don’t realize that these children need us. They need for someone not to judge them, but to love them for who they are. PFO looks past all the differences within each other, and love one another with all their hearts. The children I work with are so strong and confident. It hurts me that all they want is just a friend to hold onto. As this is why PFO was created. We, Playing For Others, create change through the power of the hearts.
