Lance and Pam Barkus-Krall of Oswego, IL, are the proud parents of Ryne, age 13; Erick, age 10; and twins Molly and Maggie, age 5.

Molly and Maggie were born prematurely with their combined weight being less than 4lbs. Both girls were in a neonatal hospital unit following birth. Pam and Lance knew they would have a challenging road ahead, being informed of all the possible complications associated with such a low birth weight including visual, respiratory, motor, and cognitive problems. Both girls were immediately enrolled in the early intervention program, receiving physical, occupational, speech and developmental therapy. Molly got the extra boost she needed to move on to typical development. She is now in kindergarten and developing at her grade level. 

Maggie sustained the effects of Cerebral Palsy requiring her services to continue and expand. Maggie’s services include physical, occupational and speech therapies. Physical therapy develops gross motor skills promoting trunk support, leg strength and muscle control.  Occupational Therapy helps to improve movement in Maggie’s arms and hands to further her independence in self-help skills such as reaching and grasping.  Speech therapy encourages oral motor muscle development, breath support and expressive and receptive language skills.  She has received botox injections for spasticity management and has been evaluated for proper chair positioning.  The knowledge that the therapists have given the family has been very beneficial for Maggie’s further progress. The communication between therapists and family keep Maggie’s specific needs at the forefront so the ultimate goals of function and independence can be achieved.

Maggie attends the Life Skills Program in Oswego School District 308/Kendall County Special Education Cooperative.  Maggie enjoys going to school to interact with friends and teachers, and her favorite subject is music.  Learning through music guarantees a smile on Maggie's face.