PROGRESS — Three-year-old Kinsley Ely of Steubenville enjoys preschool at the Steubenville STARS program through Steubenville City Schools, which she recently joined after reaching goals with help from the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ early intervention program. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — When Kinsley Ely blew out the candles on her birthday cake Oct. 7, it marked a major milestone in the little girl’s life.

At just 3 years old, Kinsley has faced numerous obstacles. Born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a condition that affects the large intestine, she has undergone multiple surgeries and uses a colostomy bag. This has significantly impacted her ability to absorb nutrients and maintain her energy levels. However, after working with the early intervention program at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, she is beginning to achieve her goals.

Kinsley, the daughter of Kayla DeGarmo and Jason Ely of Steubenville, started preschool with the Steubenville STARS program that is offered through Steubenville City Schools. The program helps students with disabilities integrate into the school community and Kinsley is already thriving in her class. She attends school two days a week, is making friends and is getting a great start on her education.

Mom Kayla recalled Kinsley’s diagnosis at only three days old, saying there were not enough nerve cells in her colon to function and it led to countless operations. She is also required to wear a colostomy bag, while her caloric intake was low and left her with little to no energy. She also wears a port and uses an IV for liquid nutrients, plus protocols dictate that she be treated for fevers at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh when she is ill. After being referred to the EI program through the hospital, Kinsley began working with EI Supervisor Neysa Rogers following her first birthday and has strived to overcome her obstacles.

They met twice weekly, then sessions grew to monthly as Kinsley made more progress. Sessions were held at home or at Jim Woods Park, integrating activities into play so she learned to take steps, lift herself and become more self-reliant. There were challenges and Kinsley initially was not receptive to Rogers’ assistance, but they would eventually form a bond.

“Neysa contacted a dietitian, and Kinsley underwent surgeries and received nutrition at night. Now she is on IV fluids and takes vitamins and she can eat solid foods,” DeGarmo said, adding that Kinsley’s condition delayed her ability to walk. “Neysa provided me with exercises and activities to do with her. Once we started strengthening her leg muscles, she was able to use a walker. The progress over time was incredible, especially within just a few months.”

Rogers assisted with respite care and other resources to help Kinsley improve. Slowly, the little girl was becoming more and more independent.

“When she first started walking, everything started flowing and she was walking, talking and running,” DeGarmo added. “When Kinsley was first getting into school, Neysa thought it would be good for therapy.”

“She is a typically developing toddler with a medical condition,” Rogers commented. “She was not meeting milestones because her body was not accepting food. The doctors reconstructed her intestine and she can now ingest more and use energy. It affected her milestones and she was not crawling, walking or standing but she’s learned to climb and walk. I’m proud of her and her mom. Part of the process was teaching others not to do everything for her because they wanted to protect her, and we are amazed at her progress.”

Although she and Kinsley’s father were a bit hesitant about sending the girl to school, DeGarmo said she has flourished in her new environment. DeGarmo also praised the STARS program, saying Kinsley works with an on-site nurse and loves going to school.

“They are great with her and are very hands on, plus it’s a small class. She loves school and would love to go every day.”

Jamie Thompson, preschool teacher at STARS, said Kinsley was actively involved in class and a quick learner.

“She is adjusting really well, is very vocal and tells us what she wants to eat and play with,” Thompson said. “She loves coloring and drawing, gets along with the other kids and loves to play outside.”

Meanwhile, DeGarmo said Kinsley is like any other child–loving, playful and enjoying everything from princesses to Peppa Pig. She is also very close with her two older brothers, Cameron and Noah, the latter of whom was born with a less severe form of the disease. However, it has since reversed itself following time and treatment and today he is healthy. She said Kinsley’s next goal is to remove her port and stop the fluid treatments, and she was grateful to the EI program for enabling her daughter to thrive.

“I recommend EI to anybody, even if you feel like you don’t need it. There are so many people who can help at each stage with physical therapy, occupational therapy and more. Kinsley has nothing but love for Neysa, and Neysa knew there were techniques and strategies to help her. I wouldn’t have known about that if not for the EI program.”

For information about the EI program, call (740) 264-5812.