My daughter, Gina Marie Incandela
is eight years old. She attends second grade at a private school in Kissimmee, Florida. On the average
day she can be found running, jumping, playing, talking with her many friends at school and learning as much as she can.
She loves to learn new things. She also sings and plays the piano. She's a vibrant and loving kid and lots of
fun to be around.
When Gina was about 2 years old she was diagnosed with PDD NOS (an autistic spectrum disorder). The pervasive development
disorder diagnosis was a result of evaluations we sought because
Gina could not speak at age 2. In fact, Gina did not really start speaking words until after age 3. In addition
to a speech and language delay, she had many other developmental delays. She did not have age appropriate social skills.
She had poor eye contact, sensory issues, and feeding issues among others. She had difficulty transitioning and did
not adapt well to new environments. She was often afraid in public and could not tolerate noisy places such as theme
parks or carnivals. She had odd behaviors such as scratching the floors and walls and stacking her toys instead of playing
with them. She had no imaginary play skills. When she went to a playground, she showed no interest in other children.
She would simply pick up sticks and rocks. The doctors that diagnosed her were unable to state whether
her condition would improve or worsen. They were unable to tell us whether she would ever be able to speak. Their
advice was to enroll her in a specialized program as quickly as possible to give her the best chance to overcome her disabilities.
She attended the UCP Charter School in Osceola County in a full time day program starting at around age 2.
Unfortunately many families are sharing the experience of such a diagnosis more frequently every day. It can be a
scary and overwhelming experience. Gina is very lucky to have had the support of close family and friends. She
worked hard to overcome her developmental delays. Gina received various therapies including, occupational, speech and
language and behavioral. She attended UCP School for Children with Special Needs until Kindertarten. She is now
in a “regular” class at a private school. She still receives therapy at school and at home but, continues
to thrive and advance.
One
of the many therapies Gina received at UCP was music therapy. We knew from an early age that Gina was drawn to music.
She would hum melodies in perfect pitch before she could sing the words. After years of therapy, Gina eventually
found her voice. Once she was able to sing with words the magnitude of Gina's gift became apparent. Gina's voice
was indeed special. At age 5 Gina started singing around the house. She loved music in all forms and listened
to CD's all the time.
One of her favorites was a Leann Rimes CD that included the National Anthem. Gina learned the National
Anthem from listening to that CD. She saw the Anthem being performed at a baseball game on television one day and she
was fascinated. I told her they sing that song at sports events all the time and maybe someday she could sing at a game.
She loved the idea. Shortly therafter, while reading a local paper I came across an audition to sing the National
Anthem at a Houston Astros Spring Training game in Kissimmee, Florida. I asked Gina if she would like to sing at the
audition and she was very excited. I thought having her audition would be a great way for our family to celebrate her
amazing progress. I honestly did not think it would go further than that.
Gina had just turned 6 years old. Our entire family
and lots of friends came to the Astros training facility to watch Gina audition. What we saw amazed us all. Gina
stood at the mic like she had been performing for years. She did not sound like a six year old child, more like a trained
vocalist. She was calm, happy and gave off an energy that was indescribable. It was like watching a flower bloom.
That was the start of 100 performances over the next two years. Little did I know at the time, that less than
two years after watching Gina audition for a spring training game, I would see her perform live before an international TV
audience during the 2009 NBA Finals (and more).
Gina has worked very hard over the past few years to reach and exceed every
goal set for her. Now, this beautiful child that once could not speak, has established herself as an up and coming vocal
star. She has performed the National Anthem at
major events around the Country including the 2008 and 2009 US Open Tennis Championships, NBA, MLB and NHL season games
including three internationally broadcast games during the NBA FInals. She has been featured on Inside Edition,
ABC, NBC, CBS, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Daily Buzz and CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. She
is also no stranger to a recording studio. At
the age of 6, Gina released her first CD single entitled “I Dare To Dream”.
Written just for Gina by songwriter/producer Thomas Michael Dale, “I Dare To Dream”
is an inspirational ballad that sends a message of hope. She just finished her
second original song "I Sing" written by Country Star, Johnny Bulford. Johnny was also inspired by Gina's
story and the two have appeared at various events across Florida.
What a journey this has been! Gina still works hard every day to function in a world which
she perceives much differently than most. But, she gives every day her best efforts. She never gives up and she
is a shining example of what children with disabilities are capable of when they are given the tools they need to succeed.
I am grateful every day for her progress. Every time I hear her voice I am reminded of the day the doctor told
me she might never speak and I am thankful beyond words.
This little girl has come so far in such a short period of time. When people
meet Gina today they focus on her abilities, not her disabilities. She has surpassed everyone’s expectations for her, including my own. Many families that receive
a similar diagnosis are struck with fear and react with denial. They are overwhelmed with the feeling that their child
will never achieve the same goals as other children. Well, Gina is an example that these children are capable of wonderful
things. Gina has gracefully walked through every door that has been opened for her through early intervention.
It is my hope that others will hear her story so that their children may follow through those doors to reach their own goals
and fulfill their own dreams. This
little girl is my inspiration, my daughter, my hero. Thank you to the many friends who support Gina's dreams and those
of all children like Gina. I am honored that my child continues to inspire others and hope people continue to follow
her advice and "never give up on your dreams".