Easterseals Southwest
Florida
Helping Abilities Shine.
Forty
years ago, her sister, Ana, was struck by a car
while riding her bike and suffered a traumatic brain
injury. The accident left Ana with many challenges
to living independently as an adult–something
she very much wanted to do. “People who are
disabled want the same things all of us want–love,
belonging, purpose and community,” Roa says.
“Easterseals taught her the life skills she needed
and trained her in computer skills. We watched her
blossom under their care and achieve her dream.”
Not only did Easterseals help Ana live on her own,
its art program revealed her remarkable artistic
door to inclusion for our adults,” says Easterseals
President and CEO Tom Waters. “Other programs
span the lifetime and include early intervention,
education, employment and enriching life skills,
which are all geared toward empowering lives to
the fullest.”
Easterseals also has inspired Roa to remain involved
with its mission to elevate lives. She currently
is serving on the Abilities Shining Celebrations
committee planning a March 6 fundraiser at
Michael’s on East. “I’m so proud of my sister.
At Easterseals, every life matters. When one
think they are an astounding organization,” she
CONNECT >>> 350 Braden Ave., Sarasota 34243 | 941.355.7637 | Easterseals-swfl.org
62 SARASOTA SCENE | DECEMBER 2017
says. “Easterseals touches so many lives. When
someone’s loved one receives support, their
/Easterseals-swfl.org