HMS has received a $1,000 grant from Merck, thanks to the efforts of senior investigator David Wise, who is the father of HMS student Melea. Mr. Wise nominated HMS as one of 11 agencies selected this year to receive grants in honor of the employees who benefited from their services. HMS is grateful to Mr. Wise for his generous support and nomination and to Merck for their gift. The complete text of Mr. Wise’s HMS nomination follows:

Sixteen years ago my beautiful daughter was born with cerebral palsy. For the past nine years, she has attended HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy. I would like to nominate this school for a "Touched By an Agency" grant. HMS School is located in Philadelphia and serves children and young adults (ages 2 to 21) from the surrounding counties. Approximately 55 students attend the school either as day students or residents. HMS School is an agency that consistently provides services to a special-needs population.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a chronic disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination and is not progressive; however it often includes mental retardation. About two to three children in 1,000 over the age of three have CP. There is no one cause of the disorder and it probably involves a variety of causes.

My child’s CP was not obvious at first. Between six and 12 months of age we realized that she was not achieving the normal developmental milestones we had seen in her older brother. As she approached school age we were very concerned about placement, knowing that she would need a special setting other than a regular school. We were told about HMS and were impressed by the first visit. In a caring and professional manner the teachers, therapists and staff of HMS attempt to maximize the potential of every student. This involves many life skills, mobility and communication.

Early on the staff recognized that my daughter would benefit from an electronic wheelchair. Through their guidance she now uses a joystick to maneuver her chair carefully around home and through the aisles of any store. Students who can’t use a joystick have chairs adapted to use whatever body part has the best control.

The staff keeps current with technology, which is evident by the "high tech" communication devices used by the students. My daughter is learning to use a portable touch talker. At first the device was just a toy for her, but the HMS staff has taught her the structure and proper use of the device; she is beginning to really communicate her wants and needs (and humor).

HMS also provides art and music therapies. The school walls are often covered with colorful and creative student artwork. Each year HMS and Germantown Friends School join forces to present a musical play, which brings broad smiles to the audience and everyone involved. There is also an active student government and "girls’ group." The recreational therapy group takes small groups of students to places like the Art Museum and Philly Zoo (Neil Young concerts too!).

The point is, the staff of HMS School is an amazingly caring, creative, energetic and dedicated group of people providing education, assistance, and most of all, hope to a special group of people. Their long-standing commitment to less fortunate members of society most surely deserves special recognition. A special gift they gave to me was the first time my daughter touched some buttons on her talker and she said "I love you Dad."

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