Easter Seals clients to become American Girls for a day

In the same spirit of the American Girl doll stories, two special needs girls will model Bitty Baby signature clothing to raise money for Easter Seals Joliet Region.

The money raised by the 12th annual American Girl Fashion Show helps continue the services that Joliet girls like Megan Arnold, 5, and Mariel Offermann, 4, receive. They both began at Easter Seals when they were 6 months old.

Debbie Strahanoski, coordinator of special events, said Easter Seals Joliet Region anticipates selling out tickets for all four shows, which would make a profit of about $20,000.

Both girls' mothers agree Easter Seals spends that money well.

"We feel blessed we have a facility like this right here in Joliet," said Renee Arnold, Megan's mother. "They push her enough to make therapy beneficial for her, yet it's not dreadful because they make it enjoyable. It's a very fine line because she goes there to work hard and to do things that are not her favorite things to do. Yet, she likes going there because the therapists are wonderful."

Mara Offermann, Mariel's mother, agreed. "We're very happy with Easter Seals," she said. "They do fun stuff like this where she can be a normal kid. We think it's a good opportunity for her."

Born with Down syndrome and esophageal atresia, Megan required multiple surgeries to connect her esophagus to her stomach. By the time she was released from the hospital neonatal intensive care unit at 6 months old, Megan had lost her sucking and swallowing abilities.

Although she now receives speech, occupational and physical therapies from her school, Megan, who still requires a feeding tube, attends Easter Seals once a week for special therapy to teach her to eat.

"Eating is a struggle for her," Renee said. "She has a lot of reflux because of the surgery and she cannot vomit. But she still heaves and spits up a lot of phlegm. It's hard on her."

The primary thrill of a fashion show for Megan is that she will share the fun with big sister Nicole, 7, and feel the support from her brother Ryan, 10, who attends Nicole's dance recitals.

"She's excited about being in a show," Renee said. "She's really come a long way. Her speech is improved and she talks a lot. She's a very social, happy little girl who likes to give lots of hugs and kisses."

Both Mariel and her twin brother, Thomas, were born 27 weeks before their due date. Because of her cerebral palsy, Mariel receives physical, occupational and aquatic therapy at Easter Seals. Although balance and coordination challenge her, Mara is confident that Mariel -- with the help of her walker -- will have no problem making it down the runway.

"She is more independent than we had originally thought she would be at this age," Mara said. "I've explained to her what a fashion show she's excited. She's just at that age when she's getting into outfits and dressing up."