Peggy Ross is the kind of person who lifts your spirits as you cross her path. Despite the challenges she has faced, her bright eyes and wide smile always seem to precede her.

When a parent discovers their child has a disability, the adjustment isn't a one time event. Rather, it is a lifelong process that includes periods of stress and uncertainty. For thousands of Western New Yorkers, respite has proven to be a vital service that improves their lives.

Two of the Khan's children have what is called a developmental delay. This describes when a child does not reach their developmental milestones at the expected times. It is an ongoing, major delay in the process of development. Delay can occur in one or many areas - for example, motor, language, social or thinking skills.

In November 2005, Angelo and Stacey Martorana were looking forward to attending a Thanksgiving brunch at their four-year-old daughter's school. They expected some good food and conversation with Hayli's teachers at the Aspire Center for Learning. But this day turned out to be a landmark moment for their family.

"Hayli came walking out of the classroom towards us, and I was bawling," said Stacey. "That was the first time ever in Hayli's four years that we saw her walk by herself. We couldn't believe it!"

"For so long, it was something we hoped for," added Angelo. "I was tearing up."