Leading with Intention

As parents, nothing excites us like kids who chase big dreams— especially if those kids are facing unique challenges. Read on to learn about two young San Diegans who’ve accomplished big things this year.

Meet Mikey

Six-year-old Mikey of Chula Vista has been swinging a golf club since he learned to walk. Described by his parents as funny, sweet and determined, Mikey was born with bleeding on both sides of the brain. He was quickly diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and partial paralysis. At the time, doctors weren’t sure if he would be able to sit up on his own. “The San Diego Regional Center helped us start Mikey on an early intervention program,” says mom Tina Zepeda. “They are amazing with finding resources and therapies.”

Thanks to early intervention, Mikey was walking at 18 months and immediately pursued golf with his characteristic tenacity. “As soon as he had a club light enough to swing, he did it every day,” says Zepeda. “Every morning after breakfast he would go in the backyard and start practicing.” To date, Mikey has won three third place golf trophies and one fifth place medal. Because there are no adapted leagues for his age group, he has been competing with children who do not have disabilities. “His perseverance is beautiful, admirable and makes us proud,” says Zepeda.

Mikey follows a special stretch and exercise regimen designed to maintain his muscle tone and flexibility. Along with practice, that’s about all he can do to stay competitive. Unfortunately, there isn’t much adaptive equipment available for golfers. During one tournament, he was able to borrow an electric golf caddy from Foresight Sports, which was very helpful. However, Zepeda says she still hasn’t found golf shoes that work with Mikey’s Ankle- Foot Orthosis (AFO), a brace he wears on his left foot.

Mikey’s parents believe he is most confident when he’s active— he also enjoys baseball, music and martial arts. As a family, they’ve placed high value on always trying, sometimes failing, and pushing one’s limits without dwelling on one’s limitations. “We encourage him to have fun,” says Zepeda. “We don’t make his disability the focus, we work around it and with it.”

Follow Mikey’s golf journey: @mikeycangolf on Instagram.

Meet Paige

Paige Cook, 19, of Oceanside has always felt a passion for gardening. As a child, she loved picking lemons and kumquats from her grandparents’ yard—often enjoying them fresh from the tree. At home, the family built a garden where Paige, who has Autism, took special interest in planting, watering and harvesting. Later, her green thumb was nurtured at TERI’s Country School, where agricultural studies were added to her Individualized Education Program (IEP).

During the 2020 lockdown, Paige’s teacher had to get creative with IEP goals. She invited Paige to harvest citrus from her own home orchard. “Paige thrived in that garden,” says mom Malinda Dalton-Cook. “She gleaned the citrus so fast, the bucket was running over.” They began picking every week. At first, the mother-daughter team packed and delivered the fruit to friends from the TERI community. Then, they expanded their deliveries to local families in need. “We drove over 5,000 miles in 2020,” says Dalton-Cook. “By October 2020, we decided to make Paige’s Pantry an official nonprofit.”

Paige’s Pantry was recognized as a 501(c) (3) in early 2021. They now deliver nourishing foods to more than 70 San Diego families each week. In addition, the nonprofit provides volunteer opportunities for 40 teens and adults with developmental differences. Paige enjoys her role as co-founder and continues to pack produce bags with enthusiasm. She also types healthy recipes, which are included with each week’s produce delivery. “Let me just say, when Paige has a project she loves, she hustles! If she is passionate about something, nothing will stop her from completing the task,” says Dalton-Cook.

As the nonprofit has grown, farms and donors have stepped forward, providing additional surplus foods and in-kind donations. Thanks to their generosity, Paige’s Pantry recently added proteins to their offerings. The nonprofit’s next goal is to acquire a warehouse and expand operations. Eventually, they’d like to create paid positions for people with developmental differences. To learn more about Paige’s Pantry, visit www.paigespantry.org. v

Parent Podcast and Support

In addition to her work as CEO and co-founder of Paige’s Pantry, Malinda Dalton-Cook runs a podcast and support group called Autism Masterminds. The community shares knowledge about all things special needs—including the transition to adulthood. Her advice to families approaching this transition: “Seek out a mentor— someone who has an older child or has already gone through the process. We support each other with what we know and have learned.” Get connected at www.autismmastermind.co.

Anne Malinoski is a contributing writer and mother of two boys. Her older brother has special needs.

flourishing families 2022 • SanDiegofamily.com • SNRFSD.org • 9