Catalogue of Chicks

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<<Previous Chick Next Chick>>Leslie Nordin
Boston, MA
Submitted by: One Brave ChickCHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME … RUNNING FOR SAWYER. RUNNING FOR PERKINS.

Sawyer Nordin

On April 20, 2009, I will run the Boston Marathon. Blindfolded. My motivation for taking on this incredible challenge is deeply personal. Our son Sawyer, who is now 4 1/2 years old, was born without vision. By completing this race, I hope to inspire Sawyer to meet the challenges he faces each and every day, and to raise funds to support the institution that gives him the tools to do so -- Perkins School for the Blind.

Why run blindfolded? From the very beginning of Sawyer’s life, we recognized the importance of setting high expectations for him, and instilling in him a belief that he can accomplish anything he desires. As we teach Sawyer about the world, we focus on what he can do rather than on his limitations, and we celebrate every one of his accomplishments. By taking on the challenge of running 26.2 miles blindfolded, I hope to be an example to Sawyer of setting seemingly unattainable goals and reaching them. I also hope to celebrate and promote the belief that is most important to us as we raise Sawyer -- people who are blind and visually impaired can achieve whatever they aspire to.

Sawyer and his Dad

Sawyer and his little sister, Riley

WHAT DOES PERKINS MEAN TO US?
The education and training that Sawyer, and others like him, need to reach their full potential cannot be provided by family alone. As you can imagine, teaching a child who is blind or visually impaired about the world around him is an enormous task, as blindness affects every aspect of a child’s development.

During the first three years of Sawyer’s life, I found myself wearing many hats in my effort to aid in his development. I became Sawyer’s occupational therapist, vision teacher, speech pathologist, feeding specialist, physical therapist, and more. Because Sawyer does not learn by observing, I felt a tremendous amount of pressure to constantly provide him with learning experiences, and to be his teacher.

When Sawyer turned three, we were fortunate enough to enroll him at the nation’s premiere educational institution for the blind and visually impaired Perkins School for the Blind, located in the Boston area. One of its most famous students, Helen Keller, came to Perkins with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, when she was seven years old.

Now that Sawyer attends Perkins daily, he has an entire team of specialists from every discipline working with him: a mobility specialist who teaches him how to travel independently, a feeding specialist, a speech therapist, a music therapist, an occupational and physical therapist, and more. Each member of this team is incredibly experienced, and works with many children facing similar issues. As a result, the Perkins professionals know what Sawyer needs to learn and grow. Sawyer also has access to the latest technology that will help him become more independent and accomplish daily living tasks, as well as aid him in educational and professional settings. On a weekly basis, Perkins provides Sawyer with swimming instruction and field trips to expand his learning beyond the classroom.

Because of Perkins, I know that Sawyer is getting the education and training he needs to become an independent and contributing member of his community, and most importantly, to reach the goals he will set for himself throughout his life. And for me, Perkins’ involvement in Sawyer’s life allows me more time to just be “mom.” And that time - just loving him and being with him without any expectations being placed on either of us - is invaluable for both of us.

Our entire family thanks you for your support. And be sure to follow my progress on race day!

All the best, Leslie Nordin

SAWYER AND HIS FAMILY EXPLORING THE WORLD USING ALL OF THEIR SENSES!

If you would like to read more about the Perkins School, please visit their website at www.Perkins.org

If you would like to follow Leslie’s adventures and fund raising efforts as she completes her “Challenge of a Lifetime”, please visit her website at http://support.perkins.org/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1050&px=1063744 <<Previous Chick Next Chick>>