Forty-one years ago, we became parents of our severely disabled son, Gregory. Greg lived at home with us until he moved into an Intermediate Care Facility under the auspices of Suffolk United Cerebral Palsy in 1985. Over the years, we have received the most incredible support from the Great Neck Public Schools, NYS, OPWDD and especially UCP.
Today, we would like to give thanks to some very special individuals who made it possible for our family to once again enjoy a day at Parkwood Pool with Gregory. Greg’s 41st birthday was Aug. 10, and we will always remember the expertise, efforts and joy experienced by everyone that day.
Prior to his move to the ICF in Commack, Gregory was a Parkwood Pool enthusiast like the rest of his family. In the early days, we could physically carry our young son into the pool and watch him splash and frolic like other children his age. Now that he is too heavy and totally dependent on others, the only way he could join us in the pool is with the wonderful teamwork that included UCP Direct Support Professional Titus Abraham, UCP Recreation Therapist Sarah Fitzpatrick and our own Parkwood Pool lifeguards and staff, Tiffany, Tony, Bethany and Coach.
We are also grateful to the Great Neck community at large who accepted Greg from the very beginning and continue to support us today. Kudos to the Great Neck Park District for envisioning this wonderful facility where EVERYONE is included.
—Judy and Irwin Eisman
