This financially strapped single mom (Mary Pearson's husband had passed away earlier) was awed by the sweet child who curled herself into a fetal position, startled easily and cried continuously.  Soon, she was able to rely on the Foundation to provide, for three years, physical, occupational and aquatic therapy, which resulted in improved motor coordination for Natara, who is believed to suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Natara, who is blind, has been attending special education classes since kindergarten, and entered the sixth grade this fall.  Though her speech is impaired, she is able to use an augmentative communication device at school and home, and she continues to receive therapy --- now at Tucson Medical Center --- monthly.  Her mother gives her daily therapy at home.

"It's just a long struggle," says Mary Pearson, "but I continue to work with her every day.  I'm thankful that she had the time with the Foundation because I certainly couldn't afford all the help they provided."

Natara attends music classes at 3rd Street Kids weekly and placed sixth in the Ms. Arizona American Coed Pageant in 1997.

But life for Natara is not all fun and games.  She still requires those hours of therapy and although she sometimes needs to use a wheelchair, she is placed in an upright stander daily to strengthen her muscles.  When weather permits, her mother takes her out of her wheelchair to use her walker.

Adapted from Tucson Lifestyle
December 1998
Portrait Photos by David Fox