SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) honoring the 100 years of work done by Easterseals, America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, was adopted by the Illinois Senate today.

“The work in the community that Easterseals does is irreplaceable,” Koehler said. “This resolution helps us honor that work and remind people of the struggles the different communities Easterseals serves are faced with every day.”

Senate Resolution 199 declares April 3, 2019, as “Easterseals Day” in Illinois, 100 years to the day Edgar Allen founded the National Society for Crippled Children, which grew into the Easterseals.

Allen’s activism began after his young son was killed in a streetcar accident. Allen sold his business to begin a fundraising campaign to build a hospital due to the lack of adequate care for his son. He later learned of the terrible conditions children with disabilities faced and directed his efforts to his new organization.

Today, Easterseals is a strong partner with governments, corporations, foundations, and other sectors to connect individuals and families to early intervention and childhood education services, autism spectrum disorder services, employment assistance and placement, mental health services, respite, camping and recreation, and caregiving and aging supports