Live like Hannah does!

Live like Hannah does!

Bed time Story

“

I knew when Hannah was born that she was a fighter. And

now, right before my very eyes she is growing up to be this strong, confident, loving girl P.G. Chambers School (PGCS) has helped her to be. The staff at PGCS has never focused on Hannah’s limitations or challenges—rather they’ve always set the bar high for her.

Most parents take communicating with their child for granted.

For me, I was never quite sure if Hannah “really knew” what I was saying. Until one night during a bedtime story.

On this night, Hannah exceeded my expectations and made me believe that anything is possible.

For the first time, I had a real conversation with Hannah where I would talk and she would listen—and Hannah would talk and I would listen.

On this night, Hannah proved to me that she has more patience than I could ever hope to have.

“

Hannah has taught me many, many things and living in the present moment is just one of them.

-Cindy LaBar

“

You see, Hannah’s team at PGCS worked diligently to find the best option that would allow her to communicate—her talker.

Hannah’s talker allowed her to answer questions. She showed her keen sense of humor, and she asked me questions. She was polite, loving, and spoke like a typical 11-year-old, using “Ha!” and “Maybe” when she clearly knew those were not the words I had in mind.

As I tucked Hannah in, I asked her if she could say “Good night,” not knowing if there is a “good night” button. Before I knew it, Hannah found the button for “sleep.” I told her how smart she was and how proud I was of her. She pressed “hug.”

Hannah has taught me many, many things and living in the present moment is just one of them. She is not concerned with the past nor is she worried about what is yet to come. She is simply enjoying the here and now. I strive to live in the moment like Hannah does.

I hugged Hannah and had a feeling of never wanting to let go, never wanting to forget this moment of pure joy and gratitude.

I told Hannah it was time to turn out the lights and for me to bring her talker downstairs to be charged for the night. She began to cry and when I asked her “Why?” she simply pressed the “more” button, fighting back tears. I said she could have five more minutes. As I left her room she said “Thank you” and

smiled at me. She fell asleep hugging her talker and I am certain we shared the exact same feelings of joy and gratitude.

If we could all learn to ‘Live like Hannah does’—to embrace the present moment and simply enjoy it—there would surely be a lot more joy and gratitude in the world.”

-Cindy LaBar, Hannah’s Mom Right now we are asking you to make a gift so that more children like Hannah can have a voice.

Through our expertise in assistive technology, P.G. Chambers School has become a state-wide leader in helping children with disabilities. These disabilities affect their speech, movement, vision, hearing, and most of all—their learning. With the right technology, we are changing the way these precious children communicate, play, socialize, and explore their world.

All children at PGCS, despite their disability, can be fully present in the moment—with your help. Every gift is vital to their continued success. If you will help all children ‘Live like Hannah does,’ then you will also, by spreading joy through your generosity.

Officers of the Board of Trustees Unjeria C. Jackson, M.D. President Thomas J. Walsh Vice President

Lori Solomon Vice President and Treasurer Susan Seamans Secretary and Executive Director

Board of Trustees

Joanne Balady Anthony Bonanno James J. Brazel Patricia Chambers Jerry DeFrancisco Eric C. Elbell Walter Kneis Aftab Malik Pavan Mehta John Mulhearn Keith Savel Wendy Tait Steve Vittorio

To read more of Hannah’s story, please visit www.chambersschool/Hannah At P.G. Chambers School (PGCS), “discovering potential” is at the heart of our mission, inspiring us to provide the best, most comprehensive special education and therapy programs for children with disabilities and developmental delays and inclusive early education for all children.

We strive to instill a love of learning, encourage independence, and most importantly, inspire unshakable self-confidence. Our children are successful, as we have made this our singular focus for more than 60 years, building a reputation for excellence recognized throughout New Jersey.

Each year, PGCS provides services for more than 800 children and their families, both on-site at our school’s state-of-the-art facility, as well as off-site in homes, childcare centers, and schools.

PGCS children benefit from individualized instruction, the latest technology, community partnerships, and highly qualified educators, therapists, nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, and administrators.

We expect all students to make measurable academic improvements, communicate effectively, achieve independence and self-confidence, and, when the time is right, participate in their community schools.

P.G. Chambers School is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Tax ID #22-1551480. Information concerning charitable solicitations may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 609.292.4925. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.