September 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Cover Story

Alaina The North Star in the Night Sky

Written by Melissa Klatt Photos by Michelle Herdlick

Melissa Klatt

Michelle Herdlick

See the Able and Understand the Label Perry Township native, Alaina Zehnder, is much more than the labels she’s been diagnosed with. She’s been diagnosed with KBG syndrome, autism, and a few others, and though her family has worked hard to get those answers, they focus on her abilities and what challenges she’s overcome! With their love for God, involvement with their church, and the community embracing them, the Zehnders have the strength and support to roll with the punches!

The Challenges Just Keep Coming One of the biggest challenges for Alaina and her family was finding an education program that works best for her. Luckily, they’ve found a great match at The Golden Key for Exceptional Children, particularly with Alaina’s favorite teachers at school, Mr. Nate and Ms. Serena. They’ve made it so Alaina loves to go to school, which was a major challenge prior to this last year.

Some Days New is the Normal Alaina’s mom, Kylie, talks about one of their newest challenges together: “We are currently new to the feeding tube world, and that is a huge challenge at the moment. Some days are easier than others. But, we are a praying family, and we know there is nothing we cannot overcome with our God. We truly do try hard to see the glass half full, even when that glass is on the verge of shattering. There is beauty in all things. Sometimes, we just have to look a little harder to see it.”

Alaina: The North Star in the Night Sky Getting to know Alaina, you’ll quickly find that she’s the brightest, happiest child you could meet! She loves making new friends, getting people to laugh, and encourages you to seek the beauty in life. Alaina loves going to church, spending time with her best friend, Peyton, who’s been there since she was a newborn, and doing all kinds of arts and crafts!

Alaina also loves to make YouTube videos singing, dancing, and talking about the joys of being different and unique. She’s the beacon of hope when the world seems dark. “Living with Alaina has truly made me a better mom and a better person. Alaina loves friends, and for those who truly get to know her, she makes them giggle, she makes them happy,” says mom, Kylie Zehnder. “She is such a happy, happy child and brings light to almost everything.”

Mom Pro Tip: Find Your Village Alaina’s mom, Kylie, shares with us the importance of finding a supportive community to help through the trials of parenthood: “You are not alone. It takes a village to raise a child, so find your tribe, find your village, and if you don’t have one, let us be your tribe! Sometimes we all need a shoulder to cry on, a person to vent to, and a friend to ask for prayers from. This is our village. You are not alone!”