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Published on: 1/9/2004
Last Visited: 1/9/2004
Marti Clark and Chad Cunningham look forward to their year as Easter Seals' 2004 Child and Adult Representatives.Marti Clark was born with Down syndrome, and began receiving services at Easter Seals when she was 1 year old.
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2004 National Youth Representative Marti Clark
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Marti Clark, Easter Seals 2004 National Youth Representative
When Marti Clark was born with Down syndrome, doctors did not offer her parents, Fern and Marty, much hope.Her father remembers one physician giving them a text for reference -- "the book of doom and gloom" as Marty refers to it today.
"He saw a tunnel with no light at the end," he recalls.
One doctor, though, referred the family to Easter Seals, where their baby girl was enrolled in the Early Intervention program, beginning at 1 year old.Several days each week, Marti received physical, occupational and speech therapy, and her parents learned to take one day at a time.
Once she turned 3, Marti began receiving early childhood education services at Easter Seals, first through the preschool program and later the inclusive kindergarten, which teaches children with disabilities alongside nondisabled peers.
Today Marti is an adventuresome10-year-old who helps with chores around the home and likes riding the bus to school with her friends.
The Clark family's ties to Easter Seals are as strong as ever.Marti, her parents and her older sister Erin regularly attend Easter Seals events, including an annual golf tournament where Marti takes a ceremonial tee shot, shakes hands and poses for pictures.
Marti's outgoing personality will serve her well in her role as the 2004 Easter Seals National Youth Representative.Meeting scores of people from coast to coast, she and her family will have many opportunities to talk about the difference Easter Seals has made in their lives.
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