Fall/Winter 2018
A LEGACY OF
Service
In 1967, Peggy McWhirter, the founder and longtime director of the Easterseals location in Genesee County chose Penny Metcalfe as the child ambassador. Penny was born with cerebral palsy and weighed less than three pounds. She relied on braces and then a wheelchair for mobility. In addition to the challenges she faced, she fought hard against the stigma that permeated society in the 1960s. Her family was repeatedly told to keep their expectations for Penny low. Angered by this, the family Penny and Katie Kogelmann, Director of Genesee Family decided that they were going to do everything they could so their daughter could live a life Services, pose with Peggy McWhirter’s memorial plaque. of inclusion and fulfillment on her terms. She attended Easterseals day camps and participated in many other activities. In addition to the Easterseals services, Penny’s mom was adamant about creating a stigma-free zone at home. Penny had chores, just like her siblings. She wasn’t treated any differently when it came to activities, punishments, or tasks. After graduating from high school, Penny decided to pursue a career as a teacher. Many teachers tried to steer her away from college. Penny was determined to fulfill her dream and enrolled at Michigan State University. She graduated with a degree in teaching and accepted a position teaching children with special needs in Brownsville, Texas. To be fully independent, she wanted to live in a warm climate free from snow. Once she got to Brownsville, she got involved in the community and pushed to make the town more accessible for wheelchairs. Her dedication to the cause made her a local hero to children and families with disabilities. She devoted her life to teaching children with disabilities and recently retired after 36 years of service. She has two grown children of her own and makes frequent trips back to Michigan to see family. Recently Penny and her mother visited us at the same location she received services in years ago and met program director Katie Kogelmann. They went out to the garden to see the plaque dedicated to the memory of Peggy McWhirter. The Easterseals legacy of inclusion and service continues today in 11 locations throughout the state of Michigan, serving over 12,500 people each year. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2020, we remain committed to our mission.
“I owe everything to Easterseals. They made me believe I could do anything.” ~Penny
Penny, and other Easterseals Child Ambassadors, help sell Easter Seals in 1967.