State-funded services help child | Twin Cities Daily Planet | Minneapolis - St. Paul

State-funded services help child | Twin Cities Daily Planet | Minneapolis - St. Paul:

"Several days ago, my twelve year-old son, Erich, sat in front of our church congregation and played the guitar to the tune of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.” It was one of those hand-on-your-heart moments, and it simply took my breath away. To many it would have seemed a normal, everyday occurrence, but for those who know Erich, they understood what it has taken for him to confidently strum a tune on a guitar.

Two days after his first birthday, Erich was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the seventh chromosome. As a result of this syndrome, Erich has many developmental disabilities, especially fine and gross motor as well as speech delays. However, thanks to state-funded human services, Erich has developed skills that have greatly enriched his life."