Ask people to tell you about 13-year-old Krissy Durgadeen, and they describe her as a loving, caring girl with a zest for life and a big personality. Born in Trinidad, she was diagnosed in infancy with a variant of Dandy Walker Syndrome (DWS), a rare condition which affects the cerebellum, the brain center that controls equilibrium and a host of other functions. Krissy has difficulty expressing herself clearly, though she’s learning signs. She needs assistance with dressing, feeding herself with a spoon or fork, and using the bathroom independently. Since starting at CPW’s BRIDGE School in 2018, she has made good progress through Occupational, Physical, Speech and Language therapies, as well as Vision Education. She delights in many school activities, especially music, art, dancing, being with friends, and dressing up for special occasions in a dress, often a sari.

At home, her dad and three siblings look after Krissy and provide a nurturing environment. They also further her learning. She enjoys helping in the kitchen, exploring her neighborhood on the back of her dad’s bike, and outings to amusement parks, where she loves big rides, especially roller coasters. Her mom’s death in 2024 was a terrible trauma for Krissy. Unable to fully understand what happened, she still asks for her mother frequently.

At CPW, our mission is to meet the complex needs of children and adults with special needs. Our rewards are the miracles we witness every day. A little boy takes his first halting steps. A little girl with autism speaks her first words. A proud young adult rides the bus to work independently.

Since our founding in 1949, our Center has enabled thousands of people faced with extraordinary challenges to reach their potential and realize their dreams. We could not do this without the kindness and generosity of friends like you.

Thanks to you, we can undertake a critical enhancement and expansion of technology throughout our programs, building independence, furthering opportunities, and forging bright futures for those whose lives are too often defined by what they cannot do.

In this season of thanksgiving and reflection, we are so grateful for your generosity.

Warm regards,

Linda Kuck, Executive Director

Richard N. Osterer, Board President