High Hopes Development Center recently dedicated an occupational therapy room on their campus to Elliott Grace (Ellie G) Castro with funds raised after her unexpected passing.
“High Hopes has always been very special to our family and really helped Elliott reach her full potential. We are grateful the community has supported us and helped keep her memory alive by donating money to High Hopes,” said Samantha Castro, Elliott’s mother. “We were able to raise enough money to name her occupational therapist’s treatment room after her. We are so grateful that her name will always be in the halls at High Hopes.”
Elliott was born with a very rare terminal genetic disorder, rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP), and received physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapy from respected High Hopes therapists Shannon Adams, MaryBeth Cloud, Lisa Thompson and Linda Tyson, respectively. Following Elliott’s unexpected passing on Sept. 13 at just four years old, more than 100 supporters donated to High Hopes in her memory.
“Since Elliott passed away, we have been blown away by the people who have supported us by giving to High Hopes in her name,” said Brandy Blanton, Elliott’s grandmother and High Hopes director of development. “Seeing her name on the wall of her treatment room brings comfort in knowing High Hopes will continue to change children’s lives as they did for her.”
The Elliott Grace (Ellie G) Castro Treatment Room will be used by occupational therapist MaryBeth Cloud, who worked with Elliott since she was four weeks old. MaryBeth’s husband, David, worked with Elliott through orthotics and prosthetic services company A Step Ahead to customize her hand and feet braces throughout her life.
“It meant so much for MaryBeth’s room to be where Elliott’s name hung in perpetuity,” said Castro. “The Clouds were not only part of Elliott’s team of caregivers, but they also became part of our extended family.”
About High Hopes Development Center
High Hopes Development Center is a 35-year-old non-profit organization that loves, nurtures, and educates children with two integrated programs helping each child reach their maximum potential. Children ages 6 weeks to kindergarten, with and without special needs, are educated together in inclusive preschool classrooms by a team of experienced teachers supporting the individual needs of each child. High Hopes also offers an on-site pediatric therapy clinic, allowing children to receive therapy services during their preschool day. The outpatient pediatric therapy clinic provides occupational, speech, physical and feeding therapies to children from birth to 21 years. High Hopes gives children of all intellectual, physical and mental abilities the opportunity to learn and grow together in an environment that provides a strong foundation for future academic and social success.