Welcoming guests to the 2025 A Night of Sunshine Gala to benefit the Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic, board president Roger Schlossberg said the nonprofit was officially established in 1953 to serve children before branching out to adults.
“There are many, many people here tonight who are responsible for the growth and success of Sunshine,” said Ginny Blossom, Sunshine executive director, specifically recognizing longtime supporters Rose Sadlek and the Bernard A. Egan Foundation, as well as the Sunshine board, leadership team and therapists.
“We’re on track this year to provide close to 25,000 visits to people in the community, to over 1,400 individuals ranging in age from 2 months to 99 years,” said Blossom.
“All of this we’ve accomplished under the worst business model imaginable. With the reimbursements we receive from Medicaid and the growing number of uninsured individuals we anticipate in the year ahead, we stand to lose close to $1 million in unreimbursed services,” said Blossom.
She made a point of recognizing Frank Isele, executive director of the Hospital District, whose core mission is to support those who are unable to afford needed medical services, which make up 60 percent of the Sunshine overall caseload and 85 percent of its pediatrics program.
“Without the Hospital District and our taxpayers, Sunshine would not be able to accomplish its mission. But they can only do so much. We do still have a gap, and the gap will still grow as we grow,” said Blossom, reiterating the importance of their financial support.
Schlossberg next introduced the two children chosen to be this year’s Pediatric Ambassadors: Sophya Reynolds and Jack Merrill.
Mark Reynolds spoke about their daughter Sophya, who was born at 36 weeks with periventricular leukomalacia, a type of brain injury affecting her speech and the right side of her body. Additionally, at age 3 she was diagnosed with level 3 autism. Since joining Sunshine in late 2022, she has made remarkable progress in her physical therapies, even bouncing on a trampoline and climbing stairs, and speech, including communicating using an AAC device and keeping engaged with music.
“As we look to the future, we’re filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come. Sophya has taught us that every small step is a victory and every milestone is a celebration. Thank you for this community, for the love and support that surrounds our daughter,” said Reynolds.
Michael Merrill spoke about their son Jack, who was diagnosed in December 2022 with leukodystrophy, a rare genetic disease that causes a loss of neurological functions. Before they discovered Sunshine in February 2023, Jack couldn’t speak, walk or use his hands, and they had been told he probably never would. However, they hadn’t accounted for his tenacity or the skills of the Sunshine therapists. He can now speak and fully feed himself, is on a gait trainer and can move his legs. He will attend Beachland Elementary in a regular kindergarten class next year.
“We are certainly eternally grateful for this organization. We can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for Jack and that you do for so many people in this town,” said Merrill.
The final speaker was Carly Sorensen, who shared her remarkable journey of recovery following a horrific February 2024 car accident at age 24 that resulted in a traumatic brain injury that left her with severe mobility, speech and cognitive challenges. The Sunshine therapists, she said, didn’t just help her move her body, they helped her find hope again.
“A year ago, I couldn’t move my right arm or leg, and I couldn’t say a single word. But today, I’m standing here today speaking to you because of the people at Sunshine Physical Therapy. Their care is outstanding for those recovering from strokes, injuries and illnesses,” said Sorensen, who now envisions returning to the working world and sharing her life with someone special.
For more information, visit SunshinePTC.org.
Photos by Mary Schenkel
