Susanne Sanders, owner of Turning Pointe; Jamila and Andrew Phillips; and Dawn Darby, co-founder of The Therapy Place Jamila Phillips had a vision.

Her two-year-old son, Andrew, has cerebral palsy and The Therapy Place was able to assist her in finding the funds to enroll him in conductive education, allowing him to participate in therapy 30 hours a week. The benefits of the therapy made such a difference in Andrew’s life, and Jamila wanted to do something to thank the people who made this difference possible.

Jamila and Andrew make the trip to The Therapy Place, located at 3620 Covenant Road, Columbia, from York five days a week for his classes. As Jamila was driving in each day, she thought about what she could do to give back, and she prayed. She prayed for inspiration.

“I was driving home from Columbia,” said Jamila, “and suddenly I saw it all playing out in front of my eyes.”

The Lovely Duckling was born. “Angels must have been driving my car,” she said, “ because I was seeing the play and writing furiously as I drove.”

Jamila firmly believes that God gave her the story, and He continued putting events and people in her path to bring that vision to reality.

Susanne Sanders, owner of Turning Pointe Centre for the Arts in Lexington, agreed to choreograph and co- direct the multi-genre, fine arts production. Andrea Mock of News19/ WLTX will host the show. A cast of professional actors, dancers, and singers will be performing.

In The Lovely Ducklings, spring has come to the pond. Four mother ducks are awaiting the arrival of their little lovely ducklings. Like all mothers, they dream of their little ones doing exceptional things and becoming extraordinary ducks.

When the time finally comes and their eggs hatch, the mothers are surprised at what they find. Each duckling challenges its mother to accept the unexpected and learn how to cope with their duckling’s differences. When tragedy suddenly strikes the pond, each duckling is able to overcome “disabilities” and use his/ her strengths to help others in need. The four ducklings discover how lovely it is to be different.

One mom’s story, sharing what it means to raise a child with special needs... The Lovely Ducklings shows how, even with “ limitations,” there are opportunities for everyone to make a difference in our communities. A most unique performance – through song, dance, and narration, the audience is taken from heartbreak to triumph.

The Lovely Ducklings performance will be held Saturday, December 10, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.50 for adults and $15.50 for children under 10 and will be on sale at the Township and through Ticketmaster outlets.

The Therapy Place is a non-profit pediatric center providing physical, occupational, and speech therapies for children with special needs. In addition, The Therapy Place offers innovative programs not offered elsewhere in the state.

Conductive Education is a unique way of helping children with motor disorders (such as cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, stroke, and head injury), gain independence both physically and socially. Children ages 18 months to 14 years receive therapeutic exercise and ageappropriate instruction for progression of physical, social, and cognitive development. This program is not covered by insurance.

Proceeds from The Lovely Ducklings will help cover the costs of the Conductive Education program including financial assistance for families.

For more information, visit www.thetherapyplace.org or call 787-3033.