Hilliard Facility Helps Little Sophia’s Dreams Come True

HILLIARD, Ohio -- A young girl's dreams came true after a new facility opened in Hilliard.

NBC 4's Ben Gelber reported on why this holiday season will be very special for a precious little girl named Sophia.

"Sofia first came here when she was just learning how to walk," Sophia's father, Jeff Ruschau, said.

He said Sophia started walking when she was 3 years old, thanks mostly to the help of occupational and physical therapists at Easter Seals.

"To see the level of support they have provided our family has been unbelievable," Ruschau said.

Ruschau works for Messer Construction, and through the generosity of a $25,000 Messer Foundation grant, Easter Seals will complete its new 22,000-square-foot Hilliard facility.

"We started the foundation in 2005 to really advance society's interest in the way of workforce development, economic inclusion, education," Ruschau said.

Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio provides services for people with disabilities and special needs.

"Sophia was born with cerebral palsy, and one of the things she has been working on for a number of months now are fine-motor skills," Easter Seals' Karen Zuckerman said. "Writing your name, buttoning your clothes, tying your shoes … these are all things that are really important to Sophia, so we thought it would be really appropriate to name this wonderful occupational therapy room after her."

A new addition to the Hilliard facility is a room specifically designed for children with autism that varies levels of stimulation, part of the therapy that has proven successful.

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