3 minute read
Marlowe’s Journey at Bal Swan
By Melissa Ruzicka
When Julia first stepped onto the Bal Swan campus more than two decades ago, she knew she had found a special place. At the time, she was the founder and artistic director of the Colorado Conservatory of Dance, and her path crossed with the nonprofit through community connections. She admired its mission then, but it wasn’t until years later—when her son Marlowe was born— that she truly understood the depth of Bal Swan’s impact.
Marlowe, now eight years old, was born with Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation (MCM), a genetic condition that caused one side of his head to grow larger than the other. As a result of MCM, he developed Polymicrogyria (PMG), which led to epilepsy and a stroke in utero that damaged his occipital-parietal lobe, affecting his vision and speech. By the age of six, Marlowe had experienced more than 350 seizures and completed over 1,800 therapy sessions, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
Understanding his surroundings is a daily challenge for Marlowe, but his determination shines through. Despite all he has faced, he remains a bright light, smiling and greeting everyone he meets.
When it came time for preschool, Julia knew Bal Swan was the place where Marlowe would be seen, understood, and supported. The amazing teachers worked hand-inhand with his therapists to create strategies tailored to his needs. They never gave up on him. They saw his potential—and made sure he saw it too.
Bal Swan’s inclusive model—that mixes every classroom with typical students and special needs students—benefits every child. Classmates learn alongside one another, support each other, and form meaningful friendships. Typical students grow in empathy and leadership, while students with special needs, like Marlowe, gain access to real learning, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.
The impact of this approach extends beyond the classroom. The school’s current Building Belonging Campaign—an $18 million initiative to rebuild the 62-year-old campus and expand access to early learning, therapy, and care—is deeply personal for families like Julia’s. More than $2 million has already been raised, and the next goal is an additional $3 million to unlock foundation support and break ground by summer 2027. This rebuild is about far more than a physical structure; it ensures that future generations have the same transformative experiences that changed Marlowe’s life. Every child will be seen, every need will be met, and differences will continue to be celebrated.
Even now, as Marlowe transitions to the public school system, Julia’s ties to Bal Swan remain strong. She volunteers regularly and serves on the founding board of Grove Elementary at Bal Swan; a charter school built on the same values of inclusion and community.
For Julia and Marlowe, Bal Swan is more than a school—it’s a place where potential is nurtured, differences are celebrated, and children grow into compassionate, empowered members of their community. The Building Belonging Campaign ensures that these opportunities continue for the next generation, giving thousands more children a place to thrive just as Marlowe has.
To learn more and find out how to get involved, visit www. balswan.org.
