Meet Scarlett: Honorary Walk With Me Ambassador

Scarlett

Scarlett Valdez is a curious, sweet-tempered four-year-old who’s been in the Easterseals of Northeast Florida family since her birth. Her connection with Easterseals began via her enrollment in Early Steps when she was only a few months old. The in-home visits by Early Steps therapists began soon thereafter. 

When Scarlett finished the Early Steps program, she entered Easterseals Charter School in DeLand, where she’s been enrolled of two years.

Some of the challenges Easterseals therapists have addressed with Scarlett include walking and communication. Today, Scarlett is much more exploratory and inquisitive, too, evidence she’s on the right path.

“Before Easterseals Charter School, she didn’t want to do much,” said Rachael, adding that Scarlett is feeling braver and more independent through the helpful support of the Easterseals team.

Every day, Scarlett gets stronger and more confident, and her personality continues to shine through brightly. 
Her brother Emmett, age 7, is one of her biggest fans and is quick to talk about what his little sister enjoys most: Disney, “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Big Hero 6” top her list these days, he and his mother said, while “Tangled” remains an all-time favorite. 

While muscle coordination and speech therapy continue to be developmental focus areas for Scarlett, for Rachael, Easterseals’ support has resonated above and beyond those.

“Easterseals is very helpful,” she said. “(This) is a lot of stress; it’s very stressful when you have no idea what to do. (Now) I have people I can talk to, and they answer questions.”

“We encourage families to look into Easterseals for all of the resources they provide,” she said. 

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Rachael and Emmett are proud of Scarlett for being a Walk With Me Ambassador, and they look forward to seeing you at Walk With Me on April 26 in Daytona Beach! Join their team, register to walk or donate at www.walkwithme.org/daytona.

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