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Tanner Noskowiak
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Isn’t 12-year-old Tanner Noskowiak a little old to be featured for the Birth-to-3 program? No, he’s just a great reminder of the impact that Early Intervention Services (EIS) can have for the rest of one’s life! Cindy Flauger, leader of Family Services at Goodwill, saw Tanner and his mother last spring at the awards banquet at Sabre Lanes. After not having seen them for about eight years, Cindy was delighted to watch Tanner proudly accept his bowling trophy—proof that his physical limitations in no way were stopping him from being a typical kid. Tanner has truly adopted the can-do attitude instilled throughout his life by both his immediate and extended family. EIS first came into contact with Tanner when he was about two months old. He was born with hemophilia B, a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting normally. Doctors told Tanner’s parents to be vigilant in watching for any wounds—even bruising—that might signal the need for immediate infusions to help stop external or internal bleeding. But then at only five weeks old, Tanner required a spinal tap to diagnose the cause of a high fever and respiratory distress. The procedure resulted in a blood clot that damaged his spinal cord and left his arms and legs paralyzed. Although Tanner fully regained the use of his lower extremities, he will always have limited use of his arms and hands. EIS worked with Tanner as he learned to walk and ride a tricycle and taught him how to do many things one-handed. The team also helped the family deal with the reality of a child with a disability. Tanner’s parents deserve praise for recognizing that they needed to foster Tanner’s independence while also protecting his physical well-being. Often, it is too easy to become over-protective but at the risk of not allowing a child to “have wings.” With a lot of prayer, love, support and adaptations, Tanner’s family continually proves that nothing has to stand in his way.
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