September 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Introducing Harper Cunningham! Conquering The World One Step At A Time!

BY MELISSA KLATT PHOTOS BY MICHELLE HERDLICK

Meet Harper Cunningham, the most amazing nine-year-old second grader you’ll ever meet at Green Primary School! This little superstar has captured the hearts of everyone in her community with her incredible spirit and that mega-watt smile that lights up the room. Sure, Harper has faced some challenges, but let me tell you, she’s a reallife superhero, and with the love and support of her awesome parents, Tonya and Aaron, she’s conquering the world, one step at a time!

A JOURNEY OF CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS

When Harper came into this world on March 3, 2014, she surprised her parents with a few extra-special features. Yup, she has Down syndrome, a heart defect, and bilateral cataracts – talk about a bundle of surprises! The beginning was tough for her parents, Tonya and Aaron, as they had to navigate a whole new world of medical complexities. But you know what? Harper’s a little fighter! At just two months old, she amazed everyone when she fought through some tough times in the hospital over the course of 54 days, including open heart surgeries and a feeding tube.

HARPER’S GOT AN AMAZING SUPPORT SYSTEM – HER FAMILY AND A LOVING COMMUNITY IN GREEN THAT CHERISHES HER AND HELPS HER SHINE. THEY’RE LIKE HER VERY OWN SUPERHERO SQUAD, CHEERING HER ON EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. WITH ALL THIS LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT, THERE’S NO DOUBT HARPER’S FUTURE IS LOOKING AS BRIGHT AS THE SUN!

HER WORLD OF INTERESTS AND PASSIONS

Now, let’s talk about Harper’s passions! Green, the Rounda-bout Capital, is the perfect place for this little ball of energy to explore her interests. She’s one of the stars on the inclusive cheer squad, spreading cheer and showing everyone what teamwork is all about. And if that’s not enough, she’s a soccer whiz too, rocking it at the GOAL Soccer League in Green! But wait, there’s more – Harper’s got some smooth moves on the dance floor, thanks to the Dance Movement. Oh, and did we mention she’s a horse rider? Yep, she’s been doing that since she was three, and it’s one of her favorite things to do. Plus, she’s a swimmer, attended the iCan Bike camp, and keeps her brain sharp with summer classes by the Northeast Ohio Down Syndrome Association. Is there anything this girl can’t do? We doubt it!

HER STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM

With parents like Tonya and Aaron, it’s no wonder Harper is such a rockstar. Tonya, being a teacher with a Master’s degree in Special Education, thought she had everything figured out when it came to Harper’s journey. But life has a funny way of teaching us new things, right? Harper showed them that her milestones might take a little longer, but that only makes them even sweeter when they happen. And when it came to school, Tonya was a little nervous about those IEP meetings. Who wouldn’t be? But she soon realized that as a parent, you’re an important part of the team, and speaking up for your child is crucial.

“You are your child’s advocate,” says Tonya. “When it came time for Harper to go to school, I really thought I knew how it would go. I have sat in on many IEP meetings in my 20+ years of teaching, but when it’s your own child, it’s a completely different ballgame. I was a nervous wreck walking into her first IEP meeting at three years old. There were so many people in that room! Parents need to know that you are a part of the team. If something is said that you don’t agree with, speak up. If you have your own ideas, speak up. I have seen so many parents that are afraid to speak up or think that they aren’t allowed. They think they have to just agree with anything that is said and that is so far from the truth. You know your child best and you need to fight for what they need.”

Harper’s got an amazing support system – her family and a loving community in Green that cherishes her and helps her shine. They’re like her very own superhero squad, cheering her on every step of the way. With all this love and encouragement, there’s no doubt Harper’s future is looking as bright as the sun!

So, let’s give it up for Harper Cunningham, the incredible little dynamo from Green! With her positive attitude, determination, and the support of her fantastic family and community, she’s showing us all that anything is possible. She’s proof that even with a few challenges, you can conquer the world and spread smiles wherever you go. Keep shining, Harper! We’re all cheering you on!