Customer Service Staff Courtney Scarinci, #1270, Lakeland, Florida, didn’t know the impact of her first donation to United Way as a 16-year-old cashier. At the time, it was a way to be part of Publix’s giving culture. Little did she know, it was the first of many investments into her future.
Courtney worked at Publix in high school but left to take a job outside the company. The transition wasn’t easy, and soon she realized she missed working with people she considered her extended family.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to work in management, and I was rehired in 2006,” said Courtney. “I really like meeting new people and getting to know our customers and their needs.”
Courtney’s life changed when her son Peyton was born. The first indicator of potential problems was when she saw he was missing a finger on his right hand. As the months went by, he also suffered from chronic congestion — it wasn’t unusual to spend one to three days a week at the pediatrician’s office — and he was becoming developmentally delayed.
“When you see your child not hitting milestones, you get worried,” said Courtney. “You want someone to provide answers and give your child the help they need.”
Finally, Peyton was referred for a special test at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. As he swallowed a barium drink, the doctors watched via x-ray how it traveled through his system. They found half of it traveled to his stomach the way it should, but the rest went into his lungs. After reviewing all the symptoms, the hospital staff confirmed Peyton’s diagnosis: limb-mammary syndrome, a newly-identified genetic disorder.
Peyton was referred to Early Steps, an early intervention program that offers services to infants and toddlers at risk for or diagnosed with significant developmental delays. Peyton received free physical, occupational and speech therapy, thanks in part to United Way.
“Not only did the therapists work with Peyton, they taught us how to practice what he was learning,” said Courtney. “We were drowning in medical bills, and we were so thankful United Way helped fund therapy sessions at no cost to us.”
When Peyton aged out of the Early Steps program, he was enrolled in Lakeland’s Achievement Academy, a non-profit United Way agency and charter school that helps developmentally delayed students. He graduated from the academy earlier this year and is currently enrolled in a traditional public elementary school.
“The difference before and after Peyton’s therapy sessions was amazing,” said Courtney. “Today, he’s a seven-year-old ball of energy who loves trucks, trains and playing outside.”
Courtney can’t put a value on the investment she makes each year when she submits her United Way pledge card, and she doesn’t know if Peyton will need additional services in the future. But one thing’s for certain — she’ll continue to give to United Way.
“I couldn’t have helped Peyton without getting help from others,” she said. “It’s priceless to hear your kid say, ‘I love you,’ when we never thought he’d talk. I can never pay the doctors, nurses and therapists back for what they’ve done for Peyton, or United Way for making his therapy possible.”
Courtney’s commitment to United Way has become more personal since she submitted her first pledge card several years ago. She volunteers as one of her store’s United Way coordinators and encourages giving to United Way.
“I love to give here because I never know when one of my co-workers will need help,” said Courtney. “You can’t plan your life and what’s thrown at you; you can only have a willingness to invest in yourself and others for the future.”
Giving to United Way is the easiest way to help people in a variety of life circumstances. Show your communities how much you love to give here during our 2014 United Way campaign, which runs through Sept. 14. Sign up for a payroll deduction, make a one-time donation or participate in local fundraisers — however you choose to donate, it will make a big difference!
Publix News Live: Your Donations Count
See why Publix associates love to give here. Our company was built on a culture of giving, and today our associates continue the tradition by donating their time, money and resources to organizations like United Way. Visit a United Way partner agency and see how your contribution makes a difference by watching this month’s Publix News Live.
