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The Keenan Family
As a family, the Keenans attended doula childbirth education classes every week. They learned about how the baby was growing, how to prepare for labor and delivery, and all about postpartum baby care. In the sixth month of Ellie’s pregnancy they learned their unborn baby girl had a cleft lip and palate. Their doula, Bettye Jordan, answered all their questions and helped them to focus on the positives.
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Bettye was there during labor and delivery to provide information and support and Boris Keenan was able to use techniques he learned during class to help ease Ellie’s labor pains. Bettye remained with the Keenans immediately after the birth to help with bonding.
When the Keenans returned home with Tatianna things got very hectic with doctor appointments for her cleft lip and palate. Her health issues were overwhelming, physically, mentally and financially. The family began to get behind on their monthly bills. The doula program worked with them to secure financial assistance from social service programs to get their rent and utilities current, buy groceries, and buy school supplies for their older children.
Boris states, “I will call and thank them again and again to let them know how much our family is blessed to them in our lives.”
UCP’s Doula Program was there for the Keenan Family at a very trying time in their lives. Tatianna is doing well and had her last surgery in November 2008.
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Rylie
“I have witnessed each one of his therapists with tears in their eyes when he has made improvement. Personally, that is the most important thing that UCP has given us. They truly care about Rylie and have gone out of their way to help us.”
Rylie was diagnosed with Neuronal Migration Disorder before his first birthday. When his mother, Pandora, searched the internet for information about this rare disorder, the results seemed hopeless. His pediatrician recommended UCP for physical, occupational and speech therapy. During his first visit, Pandora felt so comfortable and reassured that this would be the place where he would get the help he needed.
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Prior to starting physical therapy, Rylie could not crawl, walk, or sit up without support. His physical therapist noticed that he needed braces and helped find braces and shoes for him. Cedric, UCP’s therapy dog, helped to motivate Rylie while learning to walk. He now walks as if he never had any problems.
Rylie also receives occupational therapy to address the use of his left arm and hand. He now uses his left hand as a helper hand and is currently trying to learn how to use his left arm independently.
When Rylie entered speech therapy, he didn’t speak at all and Pandora was not able to communicate with him. His speech therapist thought he might have a hearing problem and referred the family to an audiologist. In the meantime, she started teaching Rylie sign language. Rylie’s hearing problem was resolved by putting tubes in his ears and now he is learning and saying new words every day.
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Maryanne and Paul Solas
Maryanne and Paul Solas truly understand the meaning of respite care. Due to health issues, Maryanne can only be left alone for short periods of time.
To insure her safety while her husband Paul manages their day to day lives, doing the shopping, paying the bills, running errands and working part-time, Maryanne receives respite services from UCP.
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Respite care allows Paul to maintain his employment which ironically is to provide respite care for his granddaughter, Giancarlo. Paul is employed by UCP as a part-time respite care provider. His only client is his granddaughter. Paul’s care for his granddaughter allows her parents to take a break from caring for a child with special needs and the circle is completed. Respite care gives Paul a break and provides the opportunity for him to remain employed and his employment gives someone else the same opportunity.
Maryanne believes that recieving respite care from UCP gives Paul and herself the freedom to live somewhat normal lives and to remain in their own home rather that moving to an assisted living facility. She does not know how she would cope without respite care from UCP.
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 Ashley Valenti
"Ashley has changed right before our eyes and we believe it is because of the therapy she receives at UCP."
In February 2006, our world came crashing down when our three year old daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with Autism.
We were referred to UCP of Tampa Bay, where Ashley was evaluated by several therapists. Ashley was set up with speech, occupational and physical therapy. The people at UCP are the most wonderful, caring people we could have asked for. The therapists and the administrative office have fought for Ashley as hard as we have. They struggle with every setback and celebrate every victory right along with us.
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 Ashley has changed right before our eyes and we believe it is because of the therapy she receives at UCP. She attends school, speaks in sentences, has overcome many physical challenges, and will even give a hug occasionally. A year ago, we didn't think any of this was possible. It is the overall caring and commitment shown not just to Ashley, but to our entire family that has helped us adjust to this overwhelming disorder.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Valenti Family
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 Cameron Wills
"Our pediatrician recommended us to UCP because Cameron was premature. The best part about working with such wonderful therapists and staff is sharing in all of the "little" victories. " Although initially diagnosed with developmental delay, a neurologist confirmed that he had suffered a stroke in utero and he was officially diagnosed with CP at seven months old. To deliver a beautiful baby boy and be told months later that he had cerebral palsy, was a huge blow to the stomach. The worst part of it was when I asked the doctor, "would he walk", "would he talk", and all I got was a shrug and "we will have to wait and see".
 Cameron receives PT, OT, and Speech Therapy twice a week at UCP of Tampa Bay. We also have stretches and exercises to do at home to compliment what the therapists are doing. The best part about working with such wonderful therapists and staff is sharing in all of the "little" victories starting with the basics, rolling over, sitting up, walking, and now running. It is always a joy to have others to rejoice with us.
UCP's Family Support staff has been there for every unforeseeable detour and has always been able to get us back on track. His girls (and guy) are some of his biggest cheerleaders. He has come a long way...and has so much more to show us.
With heartfelt thanks,
The Wills Family
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Elias Feliciano
"For Elias, attending therapy at UCP of Tampa Bay has made him more independent, and given him a positive attitude and a sense of accomplishment."
Elias was born with Arthrogryposis, which means that his arms and legs are contracted. For our family, it opened up a whole new outlook on having a child with a disability. As parents we have learned to stand up for the rights of our child.
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As a sibling, our son Tyler has learned to express his feelings about having a brother with a disability by participating in Sibshops.
For Elias, attending therapy at UCP of Tampa Bay has made him more independent, and given him a positive attitude and a sense of accomplishment. He now has a power wheelchair which UCP helped him get.
UCP is the best support that any family could ever ask for. All of their services will meet yours or your child’s needs from birth to adult.
They treat you as family. The staff members are just the most amazing people. Our family is truly blessed to have UCP in our lives!
The Feliciano Family
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