Dear Tiffany,

We are overjoyed to announce we raised a record breaking

$180,000

at Keeping Pace 2024!

Click here to see our 2024 Keeping Pace video.

Feel the Impact

As our dancers twirled at Keeping Pace, our therapeutic teams provided specialized care for over 600 children with diverse needs, including…

Kaitlyn!

Kaitlyn brims with energy, creativity, and an infectious passion for life. At the same time, she must adapt to overstimulation due to several challenging conditions. 

Kaitlyn’s mother, Christina, enrolled her in Pacekids Programs and received support from our knowledgeable in-home team. Together they learned adaptive techniques for sensory overload.

“Wherever we go, I can communicate Kaitlyn’s needs to the adults who are in charge of her care,” said Christina. “I can advocate for the strategies that therapists are using with Kaitlyn.”

Kaitlyn feels confident dealing with her symptoms while she enjoys fun activities like soccer!

“I came up with some funny, cartoon ideas to get anxiety out of here,” laughs Kaitlyn. “Sometimes I imagine kicking my anxiety into Space.”

We are fortunate to partner with hardworking, generous service clubs who have committed to enhancing our school-based programs.  

Staff Spotlight: Alicia VanMil, Pacekids Community Coordinator

Alicia is the first point of contact for families as they enroll in Pacekids’ community and in-home programing. She manages contract details, provides resources, and creates a safe space for families to discuss their needs and hopes.

What is your favorite part about working for Pacekids Programs?

“Being a part of the amazing big and little gains both families and kiddos are making throughout their time with Pacekids. Seeing families gaining positive perspective and learning new skills is just so humbling and worth all the time and effort.”

Is there any way working for Pacekids Programs has positively impacted your life?

“It has allowed me to be more informed, empathetic, and understanding of the different abilities we see and support each day. Pacekids gives me a chance to make a difference in families’ lives, and through my lived experience, it has become passion for me personally and professionally.”

Do you have any favorite moments or little stories from your time at Pacekids that Pulse readers would like to hear?

“I work with a kiddo who has spinal muscular dystrophy. This child has a trachea tube and a feeding tube and was not even sitting. At my most recent home visit in April, this kiddo was sitting up (supported) and functionally playing with blocks - stacking more than 13 blocks in a tower. This goes to show the incredible work of the family, in home therapy team, aide support, and me in

the background.”

“It was all just a snowball of stress – then I got a call from Alicia. She was there for me in my darkest time.” – Melissa, Pacekids parent