Set in the center of a sprawling neighborhood in Carmel, IN, the Holleman residence is a bustling, active home filled--appropriately--with toys for little boys. With four boys ages 10 and under, Leslie and Lloyd Holleman live the average life of a busy working family. But a closer look at their oldest child, Chris, reveals a surprising and heartwarming success story.

"When Chris was born, we didn't have any idea there were issues," said Leslie. "Then a few months later the first diagnosis came in, then the next and the next. And they just kept rolling in. It was devastating."

As doctors explained the details and challenges of the developmental disorders Chris was diagnosed with, including Autism, cerebral palsy, seizures and a rare metabolic disorder, the prognosis was grim. "They said Chris would be in wheelchair, wearing a helmet, unable to walk or talk most likely," said Leslie.

Apparently, Chris didn't hear their predictions.

Today, through the help of intense behavioral modification, physical therapy, and a strictly controlled diet, Chris spends his family time running through the lush back yard, playing ball with his brothers, and this summer's highlight, riding his bike.

"That was a huge event," said Leslie with a smile. "His younger brother was already riding a bike, and Chris decided he wanted to do that, too. It took some work, sure, but it was worth it. We're so proud!"

Through his Support Services Waiver, Chris receives a variety of services that have enabled him to move and progress well beyond the initial expectations and build new hopes and dreams never before imagined. "Before receiving the waiver, financially supporting Chris' therapy needs was a huge challenge for our family," said Leslie. "It became important for me to return to work, and finding ways to care for Chris during the day--as well as meet his appointments--was really difficult."

With a career in the field of human services, Leslie understood the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities well before she became the parent of one. Prior to Chris' birth, Leslie worked for INARF, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with development disabilities and the service providers within that community. She had also worked for First Steps, a state-funded organization dedicated to early childhood development. "So I went into this understanding and having contacts with providers, which has been a real benefit," she said.

"Leslie's knowledge of providers has given her the edge," explained Chris' IPMG case manager Angie Murray. "It's been even more important, though, that Leslie and Lloyd have always believed in Chris--they've never seen his limitations, and the successes he has achieved are certainly due in part to that kind of family support."

"Angie is a terrific case manager for our family. When our first IPMG case manager moved out of the area and I had a chance to review the list of available case managers, Angie was the perfect fit for Chris and our family," said Leslie. "While she was new to IPMG, her understanding of the issues we faced--and her personal experience--combined to be the perfect fit for us."

As the mother of two children receiving waiver services, Angie Murray serves Consumers within the North Central District of IPMG with the perspective of understanding only a mother--or a highly qualified case management professional--could understand. With Angie, the Hollemans receive the best of both worlds.

"When first working with Holleman, it was clear that one of the really important goals for the family was clearly the need to maintain his special diet," explained Angie. "Assisting them with maintaining good communication with their providers has been critical. Chris' diet directly affects his abilities to grow and learn, due to his metabolic disorder."

One of only 100 children in the United States diagnosed with Glut 1 transport deficiency syndrome, the Hollemans have developed a support team through their service providers and their IPMG case manager to help monitor and maintain Chris' strict diet, known as a ketogenic diet, in order to combat and control the metabolic disorder.

"His food must be weighed on a gram scale; the slightest miscalculation can cause seizures that last for days," explained Leslie.

Chris' current provider, Cornerstone, has worked with the goals of Chris' personal-centered plan to ensure he is moving toward these goals while this highly-specialized yet critical area of care is addressed. "Leslie and Lloyd's willingness to clearly communicate with Cornerstone enriches the experience for everyone. Chris is clearly the priority for all of us, and that is certainly reflected in the level of success he's achieved," said Angie.

In addition to the respite care funded by the waiver, the Hollemans rely upon the natural support system supplied by her parents to supplement Chris' care. "Without the waiver and my parents, I definitely would not be able to work--there wouldn't be time," said Leslie. Currently Chris frequently attends 2-3 therapeutic activities each day.

"I don't know how our family would have made it through the summer without our providers. Having respite with the waiver--and the help of my parents--has made the difference," said Leslie. "Having a terrific case manager like Angie has made a difference for us, too. I know I can call her, just pick up the phone, and she'll be our advocate. She's there whenever I need her. This gives us--gives Chris--the advantage he needs."

IPMG has worked so well for Chris over the past two years that Leslie decided being an IPMG case management professional was the career path for her. While not her son's case manager, Leslie now is able to provide the same advantage to other families that Angie and IPMG provide to her son and the rest of the Holleman family.

For the Hollemans, building success by utilizing Chris' waiver services, IPMG's highly qualified case management services and person-centered focus, tremendous family support, and a consistent, caring set of providers has been a working combination. Chris continues to meet new goals, including new reading skills.

"He wrote his first sentence this week," said Leslie. "He's reading, he riding his bike. He's accomplishing, and we're very thankful for the opportunities he's been given."

For more information on ketogenic diets, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/diet/