Photo: Zachary and Seth Olvera celebrate their 4th birthday.

Since birth, Zachary and Seth Olvera have shared just about everything. Born just one minute apart, they share the same caring parents, the same genes, the same physical attributes, and even similar diagnoses of speech and language problems. This is not uncommon in twins.

The twins began their therapy in the Covington, Kentucky, Scottish Rite Clinic in March of 2001. Upon their arrival, Seth was not talking while Zachary's speech was unintelligible. The lack of ability to express thoughts, wants, and needs was extremely frustrating for the twins as well as their parents and siblings.

"As a parent, you want nothing more than to provide your children with everything they need in life," said Kimberley Olvera, the children's mother. "Without the basic building blocks for communication, Zachary and Seth often found themselves struggling just to meet their basic needs."

Michele Ryan, Speech Therapist for the twins, has enacted verbal modeling and touch cue techniques with Zachary and Seth in order to help them learn and produce sounds. This is done through numerous language-based activities, all of which implement fun ways to achieve therapy goals.

"Any child is naturally reluctant to participate in therapy activities," said Michele Ryan. "Yet these boys have made major strides in their therapy. Their hard work has resulted in significant progress."

Their progress serves as a reminder of why our Order works so hard to achieve our goals. With continued efforts for fund-raising and advocacy, the Scottish Rite can give more children the hope Zachary and Seth Olvera have attained. In turn, these wonderful children will give back to all of our futures.