Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: As the founder of JUST LIKE JOSHUA, what do you hope to accomplish in this leadership position? Chrissy Spangler: I hope to help parents realize they are NOT alone! I hope to establish a resource network where parents can communicate their experiences to one another in hopes that they can use that information to better their own child. I hope to have the community rally around these children and show them that they are loved and accepted. I hope we can work together to ensure EVERY child has the financial means to receives the services, equipments, appointments, training, tools, etc. that they need to improve their quality of life.

SFP Editor: What inspired the creation of JUST LIKE JOSHUA?

Chrissy Spangler: I have a three-year-old little boy, Joshua, who is the absolute light of my life! Joshua suffers with multiple disabilities that prevent him from being able to walk, talk, or communicate his wants/needs. We've spent the majority of his life working with doctors, teachers, therapists, specialists...some great, other's not-so-great...to try and find answers for my son. I've done endless research and tried all the latest-and-greatest approaches. I've dedicated my life to trying to give my son one for himself.

There are times when I feel like I live in a world all by myself, and I KNOW this isn't the case. Each and everyday I meet a parent with a child "Just Like Joshua". Our stories may not have started out the same but we share a commonality. I learn the most from these interactions - far more than any research can teach. When I meet someone who's child is progressing - it fills my heart with hope! When I meet someone who's child is more severe than Joshua - it reminds me how blessed we are and gives me that "things can be worse" reality check, often as equally necessary as hope! These interactions are what inspired me to organize JUST LIKE JOSHUA. I thought it might to beneficial, on multiple levels, to have a place were parents/loved ones can come together to support each other. I imagined a room full of some of the greatest experts out there - all living in the same community - struggling with the same lack of resources and costly treatments/equipment - being able to brainstorm ideas, vent, grieve, and (hopefully) celebrate victories together.

SFP Editor: What was the process for establishing JUST LIKE JOSHUA?

Chrissy Spangler: Once we came up with the idea, we ran with it! My main focus was to start helping children and their families and worry about the paperwork later. I contacted an already established non-profit organization in Southern Maryland called the "Re-Use Barn Project". Although their focus is geared towards the environment, and not specifically towards the special needs population, several boardmembers have grandchildren with disabilities. They have agreed to sponsor JUST LIKE JOSHUA until we get ourselves established and obtain our own non-profit status.

SFP Editor: How are you using social media to promote the cause?

Chrissy Spangler: We have an online support network through our Facebook page and Twitter feeds to spread the word about resources in the community, and to help parents/family members of children "Just Like Joshua" to connect, feel supported, share experiences, etc. We are happy with the response we've received through social media and look forward to continuing to grow!

SFP Editor: JUST LIKE JOSHUA is a new group in Southern Maryland. Do you plan to expand to the DC area or nationally?

Chrissy Spangler: Wow! Just reading that question made me smile :-) I would love to see this group expand - the need is there, that's for sure! Since I am starting this on my own, I chose to focus on my community. I'm hoping more people will get involved and we can branch out to serve children from all over.

SFP Editor: What are the biggest challenges for children like Joshua?

Chrissy Spangler: From a broad view, these children struggle with a/several disabilities. Whether its neurological, genetic, physical impairments, cognitive impairments, etc. "something" makes them "different" from their typical peers. Their days are filled with doctor appointments, therapy appointments, medical testings, and adaptative equipment. They work so hard to overcome their disabilities while maintaining a slot in a society that won't slow down to allow them to catch up. This children are often accused of being lazy, tired, dumb, brats, bad-kids, angry, etc. This is not the case at all! These behaviors are often indicators of a problem. What if instead of mis-judging these children, you took a step-back and re-evaluated the situation? In doing so, I'm sure you will see a child who is in pain, scared, overwhelmed, confused! These children need help, not judgement!

SFP Editor: What have you learned the most from Joshua?

Chrissy Spangler: I have learned every word to every song sung on Sesame Street. A trip to the swimming pool can turn your worst days into happy ones. "Happy Birthday To You" can be sung anyday of the year. Colored bubbles stain clothes. Ice Cream tastes best when sitting next to dad on the couch. Knocking down blocks is much more fun than stacking them. Wagon rides can be relaxing. Little brother's shouting can be easily muted by covering your ears. If you don't mess with the dogs toys, they will in turn leave yours alone, too. Most importantly, I have learned that my son is full of strengths and capable and giving/receiving love. Every so often, I catch him giving me a smile or quick smirk. This tells me he IS in there and needs help finding his way out.

SFP Editor: What is the number one need of parents of children like Joshua?

Chrissy Spangler: Recognize that we need support and friends more than ever before. Don't wait for us to ask for help - just show up! Show us compassion, not pity! Understand that our life is hard and don’t take it personal if we're having a rough day and take our frustrations out on you. Acknowledge that our situation is difficult - caring for a child with special needs is complicated and heart-wrenching. Please accept that being the parent of a special needs child has consumed our life - it will be all we talk about - please listen! Ask questions about treatments, meetings, doctors appointments – let us know your invested in the well-being of our child. Show us you care.

SFP Editor: How will the funds raised at your fundraiser in July be used?

Chrissy Spangler: 100% of all proceeds raised will go directly back into the community through the JUST LIKE JOSHUA-SCHOLARSHIP FUND, which provides finanical assistance towards medically necessary expenses for special needs children living in Southern Maryland. Anyone interested in obtaining an application can email JUSTLIKEJOSHUA@hotmail.comor call (301) 399-9285.

SFP Editor: If you could change 2 major barriers to helping children like Joshua, what would they be?

Chrissy Spangler: Only 2? haha! #1 I would have to say acceptance/understanding. People need to acknowledge these children are human beings deserving the same love, affection, and attention given to any other child. People need to take the time and effort to get to know them for who they are, and not who they aren't. Invest time in their life. Learn about their disability and explore ways to make their lives better. Let this child, and their parents, know that you are on-board and committed to helping this child succeed. Don't sit back and wait for the child to come to you. Show them you love them and are right by their side fighting this fight, being their voice, and that they are NOT alone! Celebrate their victories and praise them when, after working so hard, they finally get it!

#2 Lack of resources! Children with special needs require a tremendous amount of professional supports to learn skills and improve their quality of life. These services are often too expensive or not available for the children who need them. The number of children being diagnosised with special needs is increasing EVERYDAY. We need to work towards expanding the help that's available for our children.