Thanks to Easterseals, Mo's new life in a new country meant new hope for independence.

Manalemo—known as “Mo”—was born in an impoverished region of Ethiopia.  Mo has cerebral palsy and a speech delay.  Due to his disability, malnutrition, and a lack of special services, his future looked bleak.  

Everything changed in 2009, when Mo was adopted by Jason and Amy McDowell of Evansville.  One of his new family’s top priorities for Mo was to begin physical, occupational and speech therapy and therapeutic preschool at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.  

Now 8 years old, Mo has made great progress!  He can walk, run, jump and climb stairs independently.  Mo can also throw, catch and bounce a ball, which help with his baseball and basketball skills. 

Mo’s improved speech and vocabulary have allowed him to become more social with his second grade peers at Scott School. He can remember and spell all of his classmates’ names, and loves to tell stories that make people laugh.  

Mo continues to work hard to reach his goals. He is learning to get dressed by himself and wants to learn to ride a bike.  Easterseals will help Mo achieve these and many more goals in the future. “We can’t thank Easterseals’ supporters enough for making this place possible,” said Amy.  “This treasure just wouldn’t be here without their generosity.”

Your support helps to ensure that children like Mo have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in our community! 

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