Ian’s Journey: A Story of Hope, Resilience, and a Rare Connection 

When Ian’s story landed in my inbox, I froze. 

Little Ian was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a rare and life-threatening condition where a hole in the diaphragm allows internal organs to move into the chest cavity. His story hit me harder than I expected because I was also born with CDH, and in all my years, I had never met another person with the same condition. I had searched online, hoping to find others like me, but was often met with stories that felt out of reach. This was different. This was real. This was someone in my own community receiving the very services that I dedicated my career to promoting. To see a child with the same rare condition not only surviving but thriving because of Early Intervention was a full-circle moment I never expected. 

A Tough Start 
Ian was born a month early, and from the beginning, he faced enormous challenges. He was on continuous oxygen and a feeding tube. At just five months old, he was referred to Early Intervention (EI) because he wasn’t thriving, and he needed help learning to sit up, move around, and drink from a bottle. 
That’s when Mary Ellen Valentino, a dedicated physical therapist (PT) from our EI team stepped in. She worked closely with Ian’s family, offering strategies and support to help Ian gain strength and independence. It wasn’t always easy. Ian was not a fan of the exercises at first, but slowly, with love, patience, and persistence, progress came. 

From Gait Trainer to Running Shoes 
From walks in his gait trainer at the New Towne Mall with his dad to now running around with his twin brother Sullivan, Ian has blossomed. Though he still faces some feeding challenges and a mild expressive speech delay, his physical therapy goals have been met. Now, speech therapist Eva McClave will take the lead, helping Ian continue to grow and prepare for preschool. 
This is what Early Intervention is all about: meeting families where they are, adapting services as children grow, and celebrating every milestone, big and small. 

A Message That Says It All 
After Mary Ellen’s final visit with Ian, his father sent a message that perfectly captures the heart of this work: 
“Hey! Megan said you just left from your last appointment with Ian. 
I just wanted to thank you so much for everything you’ve done with our little fighter. 
Your work with him has changed his life as well as our lives as his parents and Sullivan’s life as his brother. You have been so patient and helpful and supportive with me helping him walk and supportive of all of us as Ian pushed forward. I feel like you’ve been with us through the thick of it and that you will always be part of Ian’s story of hope, resilience, and persevering against impossible odds. It takes a village and Ian’s whole future is going to be better from having had you as his PT. So, thank you so much!” 

Why We Do What We Do 
This message isn’t just about recognition. It’s also about the impact of Early Intervention. It’s about the village it takes to raise a child with complex needs. And it’s about the power of connection between therapists and families, and in my case, between two people who share a rare and challenging diagnosis. 
PT Mary Ellen tells me, “I am grateful every day to TuscBDD for believing in Early Intervention and for giving me the opportunity to walk alongside families like Ian’s. His story is one of courage, love, and the kind of hope that changes lives.” 
 

by Kerri Silverthorn, Community Relations/Special Projects Director Thu, Aug 21st, 2025