We had the honor of welcoming Kelli and Daniel from the Warm Springs Foundation to the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT). Their visit was a meaningful reminder of the power of partnership and our shared commitment to supporting children and families with disabilities.

CRIT is deeply grateful to be part of Warm Springs’ Circle of Care and sincerely thankful for the generous grant provided in support of our mission. Their support helps strengthen our rehabilitation services and expand access to life-changing care for the children and families we serve.

One of the most special moments of the visit was seeing Denilson, CRIT’s very first patient, welcome Kelli and Daniel. He was joined by Luis Angel, who greeted them with a warm hug. Moments like these remind us what this work is truly about: real children, real families, and real progress made possible through compassionate care and strong community partnerships.

Thank you to Kelli, Daniel, and the entire Warm Springs Foundation team for standing alongside CRIT in our mission and helping create meaningful impact in the lives of the children and families we serve. 

We are kicking off our 2026 Spotlight Series with Zaylee—one of CRIT’s brightest stars. Born with Down syndrome, Zaylee’s journey is a powerful reminder of what determination and consistent therapy support can achieve.

Not even three years old, Zaylee has already faced tremendous challenges with mobility. When she first came to CRIT, she was unable to crawl without collapsing and struggled to transition from the floor to standing. After just a little more than a year of working toward her rehabilitation goals, Zaylee has made incredible progress. She can now crawl three to four feet without collapsing and is beginning to stand and explore her environment with greater independence.

She recently started aquatic therapy with Recreational Therapy and loves being in the water, where she continues to build strength and confidence while having fun.

One of her favorite activities—whether she realizes it’s therapy or not—is working with wooden puzzles. We’re proud to share that Zaylee can now complete a familiar six-piece wooden insert puzzle entirely on her own.

Just as inspiring as her milestones is her joyful personality. Zaylee loves bubbles and big, exciting sounds—and often adds her own adorable gasp during playtime. Her sweet smile and enthusiastic little wave hello and goodbye brighten every session.

Even after illness or medical procedures, Zaylee returns to CRIT happy, motivated, and ready to work hard. We are honored to be part of her care team and proud to celebrate her as our January Star of the Month.