When Wells Buckman has an opportunity to shoot a basketball, kick a soccer ball, or play an instrument, you had better believe he will! Any observer doesn’t need to look twice at the orthotic braces on his ankles to help him run and bells on the netting of the basket to help him identify its location-- because his love for athletics always shines brighter than the adaptations he needs to participate in them. His love for life is never dampened despite the obstacles he’s had to overcome.

Shortly after his birth, Wells was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy looks different for everyone and is truly an umbrella, but for Wells, it was clear life was going to look a bit different. And for his parents, life suddenly went in a new direction, one no parent would expect.

Along with his Cerebral Palsy, Wells was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay, Epilepsy, and later Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). All of which only added to the list of struggles and uncertainties he and his family faced.

“Wells' journey can be very overwhelming and exhausting on a physical and mental level. Keeping all his medical and home needs in place feels like a full-time job along with his daily care.” explains his mother, Tayla.

As fate would have it, one diagnosis would alter the course of his and his family’s life forever. It wasn’t until his Ophthalmologist recommended Wells's parents to have him evaluated for Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) that they found CCVI.

“We came for the evaluation and then heard about their preschool program. We didn't know how big of a blessing CCVI was going to be for Wells and for our whole family,” recalls Wells’s mother, Tayla. After the evaluation, Wells was a part of CCVI’s Early Intervention Program until he entered the Preschool Program 3 years ago.

Now, 3 years later, Wells has continued to reach one goal after another and has grown leaps and bounds from when he first started! From the growth in his vision, being able to scan, point, and label, to his social skill development, where he can now converse more with others, are all from his years of hard work and determined spirit along with his supportive team. Along with the growth in his vision and social skills, Wells has excelled in the classroom with his counting and recognizing his name as well as his physical abilities. With the support of all his therapists, and a specialized two-handled cane, Wells now moves around more confidently and smoothly and is still ever perfecting his basketball skills.

“I can’t even begin to list all the skills he's gained while being at CCVI, but I have greatly appreciated how well-rounded their services and care are. They are one of the biggest contributors to Wells' success today!” says Tayla.

Wells is now a proud graduate from CCVI’s Early Learning Academy, and both his team and parents couldn’t be prouder of the progress he has made, all with a smile on his face! Now, as he enters Kindergarten, with the foundational skills he’s acquired from his time at CCVI, his parents stand tall knowing that his future is full of potential. Whether it’s on the basketball court or in a band, or something completely new, Wells will continue to overcome every obstacle that comes his way and greet it with confidence.

“I've learned so much from Wells because as much work as it is for me to support him, he has to live it out daily. He does all these things daily with a big smile on his face. He has a love for life and his people which is invaluable to us.”

A Love for Life: Overcoming Obstacles with Confidence & a Smile