Salisbury will host its first Easterseals Walk With Me event this year with a young ambassador who takes on life with an attitude of gratitude
Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky
Conor Pellinger eyes up an obstacle course — his physical therapy exercises in disguise — and throws his hands up like a champ. He looks over at Kathy Mirsky, an Easterseals specialist, who nods in encouragement as the good-natured 8-year-old pauses dramatically. “All right, ladies and gentlemen! Let’s hear it for the little man: Conor Pellinger!”
Then, he’s off! “It was just so exciting,” says Mirsky, a physical therapist who has watched Conor progress developmentally, working hard to mitigate and overcome the challenges he was born with, Down syndrome and hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that requires surgery to treat.
Right away, the Pellingers connected with Easterseals for speech, occupational and physical therapies. “Without their support, Tom and I would not have known where to begin,” said Donna Pellinger, Conor’s mom.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE:
With occupational therapist Kylie Nicholson by his side, Conor takes on his physical therapy regimen with a sense of fun and enthusiasm.
“There are so many connections with Easterseals, and that has made it really special. Having experts working together as a team has made a world of difference,” Tom said.
Conor will be the first “ambassador” for the debut Salisbury Easterseals Walk With Me event, the date still to be announced at press time. “Conor has a great view of what he can do and what he’d like to do,” said Mirsky, adding that he loves praise and encouraging others. Conor’s twin brother, Will, often attends therapy sessions with Tom or Donna.
“Easterseals has helped me to be stronger,” Conor said.
Will is proud of his brother. “I enjoy watching him progress and learn more,” he said. “I like how he has so much enthusiasm.”
With Conor serving as ambassador of the walk, Donna says he can share his story with the community and inspire others to grow and learn, no matter what hard work is required. “He can help people know how important Easterseals is.”
Easterseals is the country’s largest nonprofit healthcare organization, serving more than 1.3 million people and can respond to as many as one in four Americans living with disabilities. From infant to adulthood, Easterseals offers a full range of developmental and interventional services, along with employment opportunities and adult day services.
“Easterseals has helped me to be stronger. I am grateful for their help.”
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, based in Chestertown, MD, has held annual walks/runs in Georgetown, DE, for several years, and bringing the event to Salisbury expands an understanding for the organization and all it does to help.
“It raises awareness for all the services and how much they can impact young lives,” Tom said. “And, they incorporate play into therapies, so even though he is working, it’s game-play and fun. He always looks forward to going.”
“I love going up the stairs and down the slide in the gym,” Conor chimed in.
The Easterseals connection has been a resource and support for the Pellingers. Because of others they know who are involved, Conor has gotten involved in the Challenger Little League baseball team and Team 360, a branch of Athletes Serving Athletes that helps individuals who might not otherwise be able to compete in competitions like 5K and 10K races, and triathlons. Tom has served as a Team 360 “wing man” by pushing joggers or towing rafts; Conor ran his first 5K in December 2021.
Conor is a shining example of how hard work, a positive attitude, supportive family and lots of “fans” can help this “little man” achieve his goals.
Conor summed it up simply: “I am grateful for their help.”
To learn more about Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, its programs and ways to give, visit Easterseals.com/de. CS
Lead photo courtesy Maggie DeGennaro