Meet Zander!

Easterseals MORC's Miracle League of North Oakland Gives Young Adult the Opportunity to Share his Smile with the World

Zander’s ability to make other people happy is one of his mom’s favorite qualities.

“Zander has the most amazing smile,” Kristi, Zander’s mom, said. “Not only is his smile incredibly contagious, but he’s got this awesome laugh too!”

Zander has been involved with Easterseals MORC’s Miracle League of North Oakland for a little over five years. He currently plays summer and fall baseball and bowls with the league in the winter months.

“The Miracle League of North Oakland has given our family the ability to watch Zander do the things he loves,” Kristi said. “We are so grateful that Miracle League gives our son and many others the opportunity to learn and play sports in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”

The Miracle League of Michigan, located in Southfield, MI, was founded in 2004, giving children with behavioral and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball on a team with a Major League game day feel. In August 2019, the Miracle League of North Oakland was created, giving more individuals the same opportunity. Both Easterseals MORC Miracle fields utilize a synthetic turf, making it safer for players of all abilities to run the bases, hit the ball, play defense in the field, and of course have some fun along the way.

“Zander loves when it’s his turn to bat, the music on gamedays, and pushing the bowling ball,” Kristi said. “Our family loves that we get to see him happy, laughing and playing with his peers. One of my favorite memories was the Opening Day of the field. We always look forward to the Halloween parties that wrap up the fall ball season too!”

When he’s not busy playing baseball or bowling, Zander enjoys listening to music and audio books, spending time outside, watching his brother play baseball, and spending time with his family traveling to new places.

“Our family loves to take trips to new places,” Kristi said. “Some of our favorite vacations have been to the Smoky Mountains and anytime we are near the ocean!”

Kristi, the president of a local non-profit called the Daisy Project, is a strong voice in the disability space, advocating for resources to help create more inclusive spaces. The Daisy Project helped to make Friendship Park’s accessible playground, ‘Let Them Play,’ in 2014. Years later Kristi connected with Easterseals MORC to help create the Miracle League of North Oakland field, also located in Friendship Park. Kristi hopes that one day, no one has to fight for inclusive options, and they become part of everyday life.

“My hope is that all communities have spaces for everyone,” Kristi said. “We travel and go into the community as a family, and we deserve to do it with dignity and safety for our loved ones. Working with the Daisy Project, we’ve been able to make some great strides in our community, but we’re not going to stop there!”

Zander’s family is grateful for the opportunities he has been given to share his bold and happy personality with the world.

“He really is the happiest person on the planet,” Kristi said. “From the bottom of our hearts, our family thanks Easterseals MORC for giving Zander the opportunity to share his smile and laugh with others.

To learn more about Easterseals MORC’s Miracle League, click HERE!