Five-year-old Blake Pera loves the park and a swing at the playground. Just ask his mom, Jessica, and babysitter, Rebecca Rowe.
The Pera family moved to Key Largo in September with Jessica and her husband securing jobs as spa supervisor and executive chef respectively at a local resort. Upon arriving, Jessica said she noticed there were no swings for special needs children at Key Largo Park. Thanks to the community and some assistance from Monroe County, however, the young boy with cerebral palsy is having the time of his life.
Blake usually frequents the park three times a week after school and on weekends. For a while, he’d ask if there was a swing for him to enjoy. The answer would be “no, not yet.” Jessica said she inquired about a special needs swing a few months ago.
“Blake has outgrown the infant swings and needs a supportive swing that accommodates children with disabilities,” she said. “This adventurous, active and fun boy has all the energy of a typical 5-year-old, but a body that just doesn’t cooperate.”
A special-needs swing at the park gained momentum following a post by Rowe to a local Facebook community page, known as the Real Locals of the Florida Keys, that told young Blake’s story. On March 14, Monroe County and Robert Glassmer, administrator of buildings, parks and beaches, had installed a swing Blake wanted at Key Largo Park. Above the swing is a name plate with Blake’s name.
With March being Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Jessica said she couldn’t be more thankful to the community for allowing her son to have some fun at the park.
“Everybody from this community came in to help. We’re blown away and grateful to be part of this community,” she said
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect the ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It’s the most common motor disability in childhood.
“Blake is the funniest kid you’ll ever meet,” Jessica said. “He has the best sense of humor. He enjoys time with his brothers Damian (18) and Orlando (16).”
Jessica said the community’s been quite welcoming since their arrival to the Keys — as shown with the swing. People in the grocery store or at the restaurant usually say “hi” to him.
“We just want to say thanks to the community for such a warm welcome to Key Largo,” she said. “We’re excited to call this home and appreciate the community and all the love they have given to Blake and the boys.”
