2012 Dapper Dan Child of The Year
Joseph Charles Morgan, “J.C”, has been selected as the Dapper Dan “Child of the Year by The League - a children’s place! J.C. is 10 years old and is the son of Kevin and Misti Morgan of Ridgeley, West Virginia. He has one younger sister, Annie, who has always been a great support and true friend. He is a 4th grade student at Frankfort Intermediate School.
Throughout his life J.C. has been challenged through the need of braces, surgery as well as multiple therapies. He continues to face these challenges with a terrific attitude, enormous determination and the biggest smile you ever saw!
At 18 months old and unable to walk independently, J C. was referred to the League by his pediatrician, Menchavez Pediatrics. He was first seen at The League in February 2003 and prescribed an AFO, ankle foot orthosis, to assist in management type walking. As a toddler he received physical, occupational and speech therapy through the West Virginia Birth to Three Program and routinely returned to The League for his orthopedic appointments. At the age of four Dr. Andrew Abramowitz, orthopedic surgeon and a League clinic physician diagnosed him with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. His cerebral palsy was managed through League clinics, bracing, surgeries and physical therapy. J.C. has recovered from various surgical procedures including heel cord and hamstring lengthening, tibial osteotomy and Botox injections to help control muscle tightness. J.C. continues to improve from his surgeries and has been able to drastically reduce his need to wear braces. He is more independent and functions at a much greater level. He currently receives weekly physical and occupational therapy through the League and is followed in orthopedic clinics.
J. C. loves sports and plays soccer for Frankfort Youth Soccer and is also playing indoor soccer at the Cumberland YMCA. He was a karate student for four years at Kickmasters. He has not allowed cerebral palsy to keep him from his interests and hobbies. A remarkable young man at just 10 years old, J C finds his way to be active, play sports and have fun!
The League has received many testimonials to J. C.’s character traits. Several of his teachers have commented on how strongly J.C. has affected their lives, professionally and personally. He has inspired many to do and be better. He is loved and respected by all who are lucky enough to know him. As one teacher stated, “He is my student, my sidekick, my friend, and certainly one of my heroes.
J.C. will be honored at the Dapper Dan Awards Banquet, scheduled January 29, 4:00 pm at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club. Tickets can be purchased at The Sports Shoppe, (301)722-5490), or The League – a children’s place! For information regarding The League call (301) 759-5200.
courtesy of Cumberland Times-News
