Edward's Story

Typical twins, different abilities.

Edward and his twin sister, Juliana, are typical seven year-olds—running, jumping, playing and, occasionally, arguing. For Edward, being a typical seven year-old isn’t taken for granted. Mild cerebral palsy and partial paralysis mean his days are filled with specialists and therapies. Edward’s parents struggle to balance caring for a child with special needs with the everyday demands of parenting, running errands and doing chores.

Thanks to the Respite program at JCFS Chicago, Edward and Juliana can play under the careful supervision of highly trained respite workers while their parents have a chance to stop and rest, relax with each other, visit with other parents and refuel.