Marklund Makes Life POSSIBLE
When you have a child diagnosed with something the words can be crushing. Maybe you found out in utero. Maybe at birth. Or maybe years in.
Either way, whenever it happens, it can be very scary.
You will feel like your world has been turned upside down. The control you once had as a person and a parent, now feels lost.
What parents need as they move through the special need’s journey is support and hope. They need the professionals in their life to see all of the amazing possibilities in their child. They need professionals who will motivate and encourage children to reach their fullest potential.
And above all, they need professionals who will look at their child with love and adoration, and not as a sad story.
I recently learned about a foundation doing just that for parents just like me.
I had the absolute honor a month or so ago to visit Marklund during their largest fundraiser of the year, The 24th Annual Top Hat Ball, and learn about the work they are doing for children and adults with disabilities in the Chicago area.
Marklund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with serious and profound developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs.
Their promise is to make everyday life possible for individuals with profound disabilities.
I overheard a woman saying out loud, ‘not only could we not find a place that would help us with our child, we couldn’t find people who wanted to see the potential in her either. In a way, that hurt more.’
And after spending ten minutes with staff members from Marklund, I realized exactly the hope and passion the employees have for these children and adults with profound disabilities.
I also met adult siblings, parents, even friends and family to these amazing individuals. They were all there to say thank you to Marklund. Thank you for helping our loved ones. And thank you for giving us all hope.
With three residential locations–the Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, the Marklund Philip Center in Bloomingdale, and the Marklund Wasmond Center in Elgin–it is currently home to nearly 174 residents. The Hyde Center is specifically licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) while the Philip and Wasmond Centers are licensed as Medically Complex/Skilled Nursing facilities for adults and children with developmental disabilities (MC/DD).
Marklund Day School, with locations in Bloomingdale and Elgin, is a State Board of Education Licensed Therapeutic Day program that partners with area school districts to serve children with multiple medical needs, learning, emotional and developmental disabilities, and those diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
More than 500 staff members and thousands of volunteers support the needs of the residents and community clients at provided at a their facilities.
And as if that wasn’t enough…Marklund is also in the process of building a brand new two-story day school that will serve 66 children who are non-ambulatory and non-verbal, and 36 children on the autism spectrum, from age 3 to 21.
When my son was diagnosed, one of the hardest parts was finding the services that would benefit him. I wish more places like Marklund existed!
If you are in the Chicago area, you need to know about Marklund. Visit their website HERE to learn more or give them a call at 630-593-5500.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.
