Moody Clinic helps families thrive in Brownsville [The Brownsville Herald, Texas]

Oct. 20--A family atmosphere prevails at Brownsville'sMoody Clinic, a nonprofit rehabilitation clinic where children receive speech, physical and occupational therapy regardless of ability to pay.

The clinic at 1901 E. 22nd St. is something of a well-kept secret, but to the medical community and the people who depend on its services it is an essential part of Brownsville. The clinic and its staff regard the children who come there for therapy and their families as part of a wider Moody Clinic family.

"The Moody Clinic has stayed here for 61 years because of support from this community, and we continue to rely on support from the community," said Deborah Sears, the clinic's longtime executive director and speech therapist. "We continue because we

are a necessary part of

this community."

Rodolfo Gracia can testify to that need. He came to the clinic at age 1 month when it was still called the Brownsville Society for Crippled Children. He continued to be seen by orthopedic doctors there until he was 21.

Gracia was born with spina bifida, but his mother resisted efforts to place him among special education students, he said. Eventually, he graduated from Rivera High School in 2004 and then the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2009 with a degree in computer science.

He is halfway through his master's degree in computer science and has completed internships in the field in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Austin.

He said he remembers going to the Moody Clinic, as well as to physical therapy sessions in San Antonio every two years until they were no longer necessary.

He also knows about a picture taken of him in his first set of braces at the Moody Clinic while he was still quite young. Later, Esteven Brown of Brownsville saw the photograph and used it as the basis for a stylized graphic that has served as the Moody Clinic logo for many years.

In those early years, Rodolfo's younger sister, Angela, accompanied him and his mother to his therapy sessions. Angela, who received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and taught in the San Benito school district, recently decided to become a physical therapist and has been volunteering at the Moody Clinic.

She plans to enter physical therapy school in the fall "because that's really my passion, that's where I want to go," she said.

Sears encouraged parents to have their child evaluated if they suspect he or she might need help.

"Many parents don't realize that their child may need an evaluation by a therapist," she said. "Early intervention is often the key to selecting the right kind of treatment in time so that children can reach their full potential. We encourage parents to seek help if they have concerns about their child's understanding, talking, playing appropriately, dressing or motor development. These are often the clues to discovering developmental disabilities," she said.

The Moody Clinic is a United Way Agency, but also relies on donations and fundraising events. December brings the annual sale of florist-quality poinsettias, as well as the "Mistletoe and Martinis" event. This year, it will be at the Amigoland Conference Center and feature professionally painted martini glasses.

Recently, Moody Clinic received an unusual donation when U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, donated half the salary he received during the federal government partial shutdown to the clinic and the other half to the Neighbors In Need of Services early Head Start program in San Benito.

Vela visited Moody Clinic during his campaign for Congress and was impressed with the important work being done there, his district director Marisela Cortez said. During a recent visit to the clinic, Vela met Diego Trevino, an energetic 4-year-old with cerebral palsy who receives services there. The congressman always inquires about Diego, Cortez said.

Last Thursday morning, Diego's mother, Maria Elena Trevino, said the clinic has been a godsend. Her son is much improved and the clinic staff has instructed her in how to help him stretch his arms and legs.

"I see and I ask and they teach," she said of the clinic staff. "They took us in as family. My husband volunteers doing the yardwork. We try to help out in any way we can. There's been major changes in him."

Other parents had similar stories to tell about how ready the clinic was to provide services when it recognized the need.

"What the clinic has done for us mostly is give us lots of hope," said Blanca Sosa, whose daughter Bianca is diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism.

"She talks. She writes. She's in school. Before, she wouldn't look us in the eye. We're real thankful," Bianca's father Jose said. "She now likes to play with other kids. ... It's a battle with the school district, but Debbie (Sears) got on the phone and she fought for us."

Children with Asperger's and autism often are slow to speak, avoid eye contact and have difficulty interacting with other youngsters.

The Sosas, who have private insurance, said they were approved for services at Moody Clinic within a few days' time where with an insurance company it often takes months and the services are limited.

The couple said they have the same hopes for their daughter that any parents would have -- "that she grow up and just be herself. That's what every parent wants. You keep on going and don't give up," Jose said.

Carol DeMoss, the clinic's community liaison, pointed out that the most important time in the development of a child's brain is from birth to 3 years old. "It is really never too early to ask questions," she said.

For additional information, contact the Moody Clinic at (956) 542-8504 or go to www.moodyclinic.org.

[email protected]

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