Utah Family Voices

Hello,

My name is Tina Persels, I am a Parent Consultant at Utah Family Voices Family to Family Health Information Center, and this is my first post to this blog.

I have been with Utah Family Voices for almost 7 years. Working with this organization has been a blessing in my life. I have had the opportunity to meet and assist so many wonderful families and professionals.

Helping families to navigate the complicated world of special health care needs is what we do at UFV, and I love it when I can help a family find a resource or answer to what challenge they may be facing. I know what it feels like to be the parent of a child with special health care needs, and I know what it feels like to not know where to turn with some of the challenging issues we face with our children. That is why it is our goal at UFV to assist families and also to let the know they are not alone.

My husband and I are the parents of 2 great kids. Both are 12 years old and full of wonder. Adam, my son was born early, at 28 weeks. Following his birth, he went through a lengthy stay in the ICU (367 days) and multiple surgeries. When he was finally discharged from the hospital, 2 days after his first birthday, he came home with a multitude of special health care needs. At that time he was diagnosed as medically fragile, with cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, hydrocephalus, and developmental delay. Four years later we would also learn that Adam has Autism as well. Our daughter does not have disabilities, and she is the best sister ever. She adores her brother, and he adores her.

In the future months I will be blogging about life with a child who has special health care needs, and also posting great resources I might come across. Please feel free to comment and give us feedback on our blog!