CUMBERLAND — Mya Rose Paugh will be honored as The Children’s League Dapper Dan Child of the Year at the 77th Dapper Dan Awards Banquet, scheduled May 17 at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club.
Mya, 13, is the adopted daughter of David and Serena Paugh of Elk Garden, West Virginia. She has two sisters, two foster sisters and three brothers.
Mya is in the 7th grade and is home schooled.
“Mya is a young girl who catches your heart at the very first meeting,” said Cathy Growden, executive director of The Children’s League. “Full of energy, lots of conversation and she always brightens your day. A true joy to know and a girl who leaves a lasting impact on everyone she meets.”
Mya was first introduced to The Children’s League when she was 9 years old. At that time, she was in foster care and brought to The League by her now adoptive parents for an orthopedic evaluation of her known diagnosis of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and history of prematurity.
Prior to being a League patient, Mya had a history of surgery for bilateral tendo Achilles lengthening and also the use of foot brace.
Dr. Ranjit Varghese, pediatric orthopedic surgeon from Johns Hopkins Hospital and League clinic orthopedist, evaluated Mya in March 2023. He recommended that Mya receive occupational therapy, physical therapy and prescribed an ankle foot orthotic brace to help with her gait and overall mobility.
Mya began occupational therapy through Frankfort Intermediate School and began weekly physical therapy at The Children’s League with Jenny Vought, League physical therapist.
“Mya is a ball of energy who loves to be active,” Vought said. “She is up for all challenges and will try any new activities. She is great at catching fish, and is a big Harry Potter fan. She finds fun in every day and loves to sing and dance. She is kind and willing to share candy and prizes from her therapy sessions with her siblings. She will steal your heart when you meet her.”
Since moving to Elk Garden, Mya receives physical therapy through Progressive Physical Therapy in Keyser, West Virginia. She will continue to be followed at The Children’s League for routine orthopedic care and physical therapy as needed.
The Children’s League cares for and serves children birth to 21 from Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania by providing free orthopedic, cerebral palsy and cleft lip/palate clinics as well as free speech and physical therapy.
For information regarding The Children’s League and/or tickets for the Dapper Dan Awards Banquet, call the League 301-759-5200 or The Sports Shoppe 301-722-5490.