Zander's Story
- Author: Zander E
Zander E. was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) at just 16 months old. Now age 6 (turning 7 in September), Zander continues to navigate the challenges of this chronic, inflammatory arthritis that affects his entire body. SJIA is a rare condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and pain. The exact cause of SJIA is unknown, and it can be difficult to manage as symptoms often vary in severity and location.
For Zander, SJIA primarily impacts his knees, elbows, wrists, neck, and hips. "The medication he is on is keeping it under control," says his mother, Crystal. "He has definitely bounced back from where we were a few months ago.”
“One of the medicines stopped working, so there was a lot of adjusting and time for it to work, but now he is back to rehabilitating to walk again. We have every hope that he will walk again."
This past year has been incredibly challenging for Zander. "It has been difficult," Crystal shares. "The last year has been the worst it has gotten; that's why he ended up being immobile. He stopped walking because it was painful for him to walk. He ended up in the hospital last September through December, and they were able to slowly but surely figure things out to help him. Since then, he has taken over—he is full of life and able to really motivate himself to do or try almost everything. Even at home, he keeps reaching and reaching, achieving his goals. His condition really has turned around."
Zander’s journey has also included a tracheostomy, which was necessary due to breathing difficulties caused by a flare-up in his arthritic condition. However, after many months, the tracheostomy was scheduled to be removed in late August, marking another milestone in his recovery.
Zander is also set to start kindergarten, and his family is excited about this new chapter. A significant part of his progress is thanks to his care at the John P. Moses Pediatric Rehab Center at Allied Services.
"What's special about Zander's experience here is that he loves his therapists, and they challenge him in a different way," Crystal explains. "It's something when he is out of the house and he is able to be with people who know just what to do with him and challenge him. He's been able to achieve so much more by being with them (therapists) and forming a relationship with them so he trusts them; and he really enjoys doing it. I don't know how, but they make it fun for him. On the way home, it's all excitement about what he did—he just gets all fired up when he's here."
The proximity of Allied Services to Zander's home has been a blessing, especially since therapy is frequent. Zander receives physical, occupational, and speech therapy at the center, providing him with a comprehensive approach to his rehabilitation. "Having an extra set of eyes on him is helpful since the specialists don't see him every day," Crystal adds. "The therapists are in tune with how he is functioning and can be an early alert to any changes."
Despite his challenges, Zander remains active and full of energy. He loves playing with Legos, watering the garden, and playing games—anything his big brother enjoys, he loves too. His positive spirit and determination continue to inspire everyone around him.
John P. Moses Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers
Each year, Allied Services provides:
- 29,784 pediatric therapy appointments.
- 8,524 hours of treatment to children on Medical Assistance.
- Services for 1,200 children in the Wyoming Valley.
Each year, the Pediatric Program in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre provides life-changing care to children, many of whom are underinsured or uninsured. Sustaining costly services and ensuring access to care for children in our area has become increasingly challenging due in part to escalating healthcare expenses and restrictive reimbursement rates. The extraordinary annual expenses incurred by the program place these vital pediatric services at risk in the future.
Now, with the help of AllOne Foundation & Charities and YOU, we're raising funds to sustain this vital program for children with disabilities, life-changing injuries, and chronic illnesses.
Pledge for Pediatrics
We need YOUR help. Now and in the coming years, we need the help of individuals, community groups, and businesses to ensure that the specialized rehab services found only at Allied Services are here when children and their families need them.
By pledging your support today, you will help the AllOne Foundation & Charities and Allied Services:
- Sustain specialized rehab programs for children with disabilities in the Wyoming Valley.
- Make cutting-edge rehab technologies available to children with disabilities.
- Provide access to care for underinsured and uninsured children with disabilities.
Please make checks payable to: Allied Services Foundation, 100 Abington Executive Park, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.
To speak with the Allied Services Foundation about planned giving, major gifts, or other support, please call 570.348.1347.
