A success story a long time in the making...

By "Mom" Irene Gaw

My daughter Nicky has been going to the Santa Ana Scottish Rite Language Center since May of 2002. This is our 7th year there!

I cannot even begin to tell you how much Gina Nimmo has helped Nicky. We moved from the Philippines to California in April of 2002, when my 18 month old son was diagnosed with autism. Having 2 special needs children, with 2 different diagnoses, almost made me lose my mind! But with faith and trust in God, I was led to the right direction for both my children.

Prior to seeing Gina, Nicky had not uttered a word! She started speech therapy at the age of 18 months when we were living in the Philippines. During that time she didn't babble at all; just crying and screaming. I guess she was constantly frustrated because she was unable to communicate.

Just a brief background of Nicky's medical condition; she has what's called Tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency which is a very rare genetic disorder that increases the levels of several substances, including phenylalanine, in the blood. If Tetrehydrobiopterin deficiency is not treated, phenylalanine can build up to a harmful level in the body causing mental retardation and other serious health problems.

The signs and symptoms of this condition can include mental retardation, progressive problems with development, movement disorders, difficulty swallowing, seizures, behavioral problems, and an inability to control body temperature. This condition is VERY rare, affecting about 1 per million newborns. In the United States, there are only about 17 affected children - Nicky being the only one in California. Worldwide there are about 250 affected children.

My sister is a physical therapist. She asked her colleagues at the hospital where she works for a referral to a speech therapist for Nicky. She gave me the number of the Scottish Rite facility. Nicky started speech therapy sessions with Gina in May, 2002. Two months later she called me mama for the first time! I waited over 3 years to hear her first word and what a powerful word it was! Gina has been a very patient, loving, and caring therapist. She would work around Nicky's tantrums when she was younger. Due to Nicky's rare medical condition, she allotted 2 sessions a week for the initial 2 years. This provided vast improvement in Nicky's speech and motor skills.

Gina would make the sessions really fun for Nicky. She would use peanut butter, cheerios, straws - anything that would make Nicky think that she was just playing, not really doing therapy. For me and my family, finding the Scottish Rite Santa Ana Language Center was truly God's gift. Gina is not only Nicky's therapist but she has also become a friend to me.

Nicky is now a happy, normal and healthy 9 year old girl in a regular fourth grade class. Truly, my daughter is a miracle. Through the Scottish Rite's continued support of the Language Center, she has blossomed in so many ways. I hope that the members of the Scottish Rite will continue to be blessed as we have been blessed by your help and support. Nicky and I would like to thank you and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Note from Gina: You may recall reading Nicky's story several years ago. I thought it was time for an update and her mother was willing to do so. Nicky is one of only two children who have been with the Center since our early days. There are many children to get to know and new stories to be told. I will be inviting other parents to tell their children's stories in future newsletters.

Many thanks to all parents, members, staff and Community Advisory Board members who helped make the annual Center Christmas Dinner a fun and successful event. Our next benefit for the Center will be a bussed day trip to the Pale Casino in February organized by Maggie Ake. Please call the office for information (or check the web site) if you don't happen to get a flyer. I feel lucky! How about joining us?

Our center is open Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Stop by to see our wonderful children and parents. You make all of this possible! Thank you for your continued support of the Language Center.

Gina Nimmo - Center Director, Janice Herrera - Speech Aide
Heather Cruz - Speech Aide/Administrative Assistant
Ruth Honor - Intern