Tanner Young named Kid of UCP Kids, Young Family Receives Benefactor Award

Our “Kid of UCP Kids” is Tanner Young, a fun and friendly 4 ½ year old boy who loves to spend time with family and friends.  He lives with his parents, Scott and Nicole, and his big sister, Mia.  Tanner loves cars and Pluto the dog, and is always open to trying new things.  He attends DART preschool and Riverview Children’s Center preschool.  Tanner’s parents wanted to find an activity that would be fun and keep him moving to increase his motor skills.  Mindy Payne, a UCP Kids Community Partner, recommended Kinder Kinetics at the University of Pittsburgh based on prior experience with the program.  Kinder Kinetics provides physical education and aquatic instruction to children ages 3-12 in an inclusive setting.  Tanner’s mom signed him up and he loves spending Saturday mornings there, where he works one-on-one with a wonderful Pitt graduate student named Brian.  During the first 45 minutes of the program, Tanner and about 30 other kids his age practice concepts such as balance, hand-eye coordination and right-left discrimination. He and his peers have fun doing physical activity and working on motor development and creative movement skills.  The second part of the session is Tanner’s favorite!  He spends 45 minutes in the pool, working with Brian on floating, paddling and kicking.  He and Brian have formed a bond and Tanner looks forward to attending every week.  Tanner also attends the Literacy Center in Fox Chapel, where he enjoys reading and activities, and plays with the Pirates Miracle League baseball team in Cranberry.  Way to go, Tanner!

In addition to Tanner’s busy schedule, his family was the recipient of the Benefactor Award at the 19th Annual UCP/CLASS Community Heroes Awards Dinner held on October 19, 2011. Inspired by Tanner, his family formed Tanner’s Troopers, a group that raises money and awareness for children with cerebral palsy.  Over the past three years, Tanner’s Troopers have raised an estimated $30,000 for UCP/CLASS through fundraisers and their participation in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community.  Tanner’s mom, Nicole, accepted the award on behalf of the group with heartfelt thanks and a vow to continue their fundraising and awareness efforts.  The hard work and dedication of Tanner’s Troopers have impacted and benefited so many lives! 

Thank you to the Young family for all that you do for UCP/CLASS and your community!