Adaptive sled brings cheer to Bethel Park siblings
Jon Andreassi/Observer-Reporter
The Osleger family with the adaptive sled gifted to them by Mon Mania
Jon Andreassi/Observer- Reporter
Sam and Emily Osleger both have a condition known as Ataxia Telangiectasia, which affects motor movement and speech.
If the weather forecast does not change soon, Punxsutawney Phil will have some explaining to do to Sam and Emily Osleger.
The Bethel Park siblings were ecstatic when Phil saw his shadow, as the mostly snowless winter has kept them from using the adaptive sled they received for Christmas.
Sam, a sixth-grader at Neil Armstrong Middle School, and Emily, a fourth-grader at George Washington Elementary School, both have a rare condition known as Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT).
According to the National Institute of Health, AT is a rare neurological disorder that typically begins in children younger than 5, and it affects motor movement and speech.
The school district reached out to Sam and Emily’s parents, Todd and Danielle, to let them know about an opportunity from nonprofit Mon Mania, which was looking to brighten Christmas for kids with muscular dystrophy and similar diseases. Mon Mania puts on a 36-mile race annually to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Todd and Danielle Osleger had filled out an application to be considered for a gift from Mon Mania. Todd said they did not know they had been selected when they arrived with the sled.
“We suggested something like (the sled), and they showed up a few days before Christmas and said, ‘Surprise,'” Todd said.
The sled allows the Osleger kids to sit up with a back and head rest. Several straps keep them securely in the sled, and one of their parents is able to stand on the back and control the speed with a brake pad.
Todd explained that AT can make simple movements difficult, including chewing and swallowing food.
“A lot of things just take longer. Sam and Emily are able to find ways, and the sled, I think, is a perfect example of doing the same things that everyone else does, but just do it a little different,” Todd said.
Dr. Sarah Shue is the school district’s supervisor of special education. She remembers meeting Emily when she was in kindergarten, and was still able to walk.
“One of the other reasons why I thought of them – COVID was really, super challenging on this family. They did not come to school for a very long time,” Shue said. “Mr. and Mrs. Osleger were so gracious through this time, and worked with the school districts for accommodations. Just kind and thoughtful people. That transcends through Sam and Emily.”
The appreciation goes both ways, as Todd and Danielle have nothing but praise for the attention their kids get at school.
“The general support they receive at the Bethel Park District is, we can’t even explain how phenomenal,” Danielle said, and Emily was quick to agree.
Danielle added that their teachers are proactive in solving any issues that arise in Sam and Emily’s education.
“A lot of times they’re telling us, ‘Something isn’t working. We’ve already come up with a new plan. Here’s what we’re going to do,’ before we even learned that something wasn’t working well,” Danielle said. “A lot of parents have to very much advocate for their kids’ extra needs, and getting the support they need. We often don’t even have to ask. They’ve already got it in place, or they already have a plan to get it in place.”
Despite their gift being unusable with the recent weather, Sam and Emily remain cheerful and are still holding out hope for a day of sled riding.
“You get a diagnosis as a parent, and you got to make some decisions … Well, we decided to stay positive to do our best to raise happy kids,” Todd said. “If we were frustrated and bitter, I’m sure they would be too. We just chose to be optimistic.”