PATHS Graduate selected as the Ambassador for "Walk With Me" North Texas! (TX UCEDD)

April 11, 2016

Each year, Easter Seals North Texas chooses ambassadors from each service they provide to represent their program. This year, Darius Young was selected as an Ambassador.

Darius was born prematurely in 1996 at 23 weeks. He weighed 1 lb., 6 oz. and was 12 inches. He was not expected to survive. However, after spending five months in the hospital, he overcame the odds.

He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder but early intervention services consisting of physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy helped him fight his way through surgeries, leg braces, walkers, seizures and hospital stays.

The interventions combined with a fighting attitude helped Darius graduate from Cedar Hill High School in 2014. He was recognized as an Honor Roll student and was on the school's golf team as well as several Special Olympics sports. He was chosen as Honorary Homecoming King during his senior year.

In 2015, Darius completed the Postsecondary Access and Training in Human Services (PATHS) program at Texas A&M University located in College Station, Texas. He earned a Direct Support Professional certification, which enables him to assist others with disabilities. With help from Easter Seals' CLASS case management and employment services, Darius became employed soon after completion of his degree and currently has two jobs. He is presently taking Driver's Education Classes.

Today, Darius is a capable, compassionate 19-year-old man who loves to help others.
Written by: Darrell and Shelley L. Young, PROUD parents of Darius

For more information about Easter Seals North Texas, visit their website at www.ntx.EasterSeals.com.