Tanner's Story

Winter 2015 • Designer Michelle Deering
Tanner was diagnosed with epilepsy and developmental delays when he was 7-months old and the cause remains unknown.
Tanner needs assistance with all activities of daily living. He is unable to walk independently, dress himself, feed himself, or communicate with others verbally. His seizure activity has declined greatly the past year primarily due to diet changes. Tanner is full of life and always on the go. He always has a smile on his face and loves to clap and make his happy noises; especially when he hears music. Tanner enjoys playing with toys that light‐up and make noise, climbing on things, and watching Mickey Mouse Club House.
In the fall 2014, Gracie’s Room partnered with Make‐A‐Wish Minnesota to help create his family’s wish: an area in their newly built house where Tanner could play and work on his daily therapeutic and developmental activities.
Then in January 2015, the development/play-room was revealed to Tanner, surrounded by volunteers, family and friends. The room turned out incredible with interactive light and sound sensory boxes on the wall, a stability hand rail, an adjustable computer/drawing desk, large foam building blocks and much more!
Tanner was diagnosed with epilepsy and developmental delays when he was 7-months old and the cause remains unknown.
Tanner needs assistance with all activities of daily living. He is unable to walk independently, dress himself, feed himself, or communicate with others verbally. His seizure activity has declined greatly the past year primarily due to diet changes. Tanner is full of life and always on the go. He always has a smile on his face and loves to clap and make his happy noises; especially when he hears music. Tanner enjoys playing with toys that light‐up and make noise, climbing on things, and watching Mickey Mouse Club House.
In the fall 2014, Gracie’s Room partnered with Make‐A‐Wish Minnesota to help create his family’s wish: an area in their newly built house where Tanner could play and work on his daily therapeutic and developmental activities.
Then in January 2015, the development/play-room was revealed to Tanner, surrounded by volunteers, family and friends. The room turned out incredible with interactive light and sound sensory boxes on the wall, a stability hand rail, an adjustable computer/drawing desk, large foam building blocks and much more!