Roger and Peggy Steinbecker’s grandson, Andrew, was diagnosed with autism at less than two years of age. Since that time, he has been in speech and occupational therapies and a full-time developmental intervention “school”. Fortunately, Peggy and Roger are able to help Andrew’s parents with the incredible cost of these programs so crucial to his development.

Because of intense early intervention, Andrew is able to play, learn and grow as a normal child enjoying first grade along with his peers. He will soon complete the therapy he receives and, because of this, Peggy and Roger’s financial journey with Andrew’s treatment will reach conclusion.

Andrew with his grandmother, Peggy Steinbecker.

Andrew with his grandfather, Roger Steinbecker, and his teacher.

Peggy and Roger know that children with autism receive highly specialized therapy at St. John’s Mercy’s Child Development Center (CDC), which offers multi-disciplinary diagnostic and treatment programs for children ranging from newborn through early teens.

Eager to build on the CDC’s excellent foundation, Roger and Peggy established the Andrew’s Angels fund. This fund helps the CDC provide life-changing services to families of children with autism, and more importantly, the children themselves – Andrew’s Angels.

2006 funds cover the cost of specialized medical education for a therapist, provide therapy scholarships to autistic children whose families are economically poor, and support an endowment for continued success of the treatment program. Additionally, a special therapeutic playground will be constructed and made available for therapeutic treatment sessions.

The therapeutic playground is designed to supplement indoor therapeutic equipment by serving as an alternative space for therapy. Therapy administered in the outdoor setting augments the treatment patients receive in the typical indoor clinical setting, which can sometimes be intimidating to children. In receiving treatment from supportive therapists in a comfortable outdoor setting, CDC patients develop improved social and motor skills as they play.

Using progressive evaluation and intervention approaches, CDC therapists understand the neurological and biological causes of developmental differences. They work tirelessly to translate that understanding into practical and supportive interventions that make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Partnership with community members is vital to the continued success of St. John's Mercy Child Development Center. On behalf of the patients and families we serve, we thank Peggy and Roger Steinbecker, their family and their friends for their generosity. We invite you to join them by considering a gift to the Child Development Center. For more information, please call St. John’s Mercy Foundation at (314) 251-1800.