Twin Challenges, Twin Triumphs 
Overcoming Disabilities to Cross Finish Line at Friendship Circle Walk

Daniel and Eliana are not your typical twins.  At first glance you will see that Daniel uses a walker and wears braces on his feet in order to walk.  He goes to physical and occupational therapy several times a week, which helps him improve his mobility. Eliana is hearing challenged, but thanks to the latest technology has implants which enable her to hear, and with the help of extensive speech therapy is working to improve her ability to communicate.

But these two Morristown natives really are remarkable.  What makes them and their family so unique is their bright undaunted spirit.  Born at 24 weeks, the odds were certainly stacked against their ever leading a productive life.  Yet, despite the various difficult obstacles they face, they do not allow their challenges to limit them in any way, even athletics!

Daniel and Eliana worked very hard over the past few months to participate in an annual benefit for an organization dedicated to helping children with special needs, the Friendship Circle.

The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to families who have children with autism and other special needs and involves them in a full range of Jewish and social experiences.  The Circle's unique formula introduces teenage volunteers to the children and through shared experiences both are enriched.  Daniel and Eliana, and their family, have been involved in Friendship Circle for several years – which is why the organization has such an important place in the twins' hearts.

The twins got excited about the idea of completing the 1 mile trek at the Friendship Circle Walk as a way to give back.  "Giving back" is a common enough idea, but there is nothing common about the efforts invested by Daniel and Eliana in contributing to the community: the many long hours of physical therapy and training they underwent just to be able to complete the Friendship Circle Walk. 

They reached their goal on Sunday, October 25, when they crossed the finish line at the Friendship Circle Walk – setting an example with their determination and enthusiasm.

"The Friendship Circle has provided a wonderful opportunity for Eliana and Daniel to enjoy the mutual bond and friendship of the teen volunteers, who selflessly and generously give so much of their time to help enrich the lives of our children," stated Robin Milich, the twins' mother and a licensed social worker. 

"Each time we see the excitement, anticipation and joy on the faces of Eliana and Daniel and all the Friendship Circle volunteers that come to our home, we are reminded of how special the Friendship Circle is to our community," reflected Robin, voicing the family's feelings about Friendship Circle and why the Walk was so important.

"We are so proud of Daniel and Eliana and all the other children,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, Executive Director of Friendship Circle.  “We are pleased that we are able to provide a loving place to nurture them and to bring smiles to the faces of so many other children with special needs in our community." 

"Daniel and Eliana remind us that every individual has something extraordinary to give to their community.  Our goal is to provide the support necessary for all individuals with special needs to be able to fulfill their dreams."

The annual Walk is part fundraiser, part family fun day, and a way for community members to rally around and show their support for individuals with special needs and their families.  The 1 mile walk and 5K run, held at the Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, was followed by a fair which included a performance from the Kenyan Safari Acrobats, a petting zoo, and other attractions.

The Friendship Circle Walk attracted more than 1,000 participants and raised $105,000, which will go towards supporting existing programs and developing new and exciting opportunities for teenagers with special needs.  “The Friendship Circle is all about people coming together and as I looked out at the crowd on Sunday I felt so proud of this community,” said Robert Rabinowitz, the event’s Emcee, speaking about the success of the event.

Teams included both families of children with special needs, teen volunteers and members of the general community.

"We’re walking for my daughter Jamie who is 12 years old,” says Susan Warner, a Friendship Circle parent.  “There have been so many challenges in her life and she faces each one with a smile and a positive attitude.”  Her husband Adam continued, “Each step of the way the Friendship Circle has been there for us and we are so proud to be here today.”

“Volunteering with the Friendship Circle is one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” said Morgan Engel, Friendship Circle Volunteer President of Livingston High. “It is great to participate in the walk and see the difference that we are making in the community.”