08/04/2026
At just 11 years old, Daniel has already learned an important lesson: never forget the people who helped you along the way.
Recently, the fifth-grade student from State College, Pennsylvania, sent a heartfelt letter and a donation to the SSM Health Treffert Center, expressing gratitude for the care and support he received years ago after being diagnosed with autism and hyperlexia. Along with his letter, Daniel included $35.85 that he earned through a school project designed to support a cause he cares about deeply.
In his letter, Daniel reflected on the early intervention services he received at the SSM Health Treffert Center after his diagnosis in 2018. He remembered his therapy team, the daily "half-sheets" that helped keep his parents informed about his progress, and the support that helped him thrive as a young child. He wrote that without those services, he may not have received the early help he needed.
Daniel's donation was inspired by his participation in the Corl Street Caring Fair, a schoolwide event where fifth-grade students create and sell handmade items to benefit an organization of their choice.
While fellow students sold bracelets, bookmarks and other crafts, Daniel decided to create sensory balloons - a project inspired by the types of sensory and fidget toys that children like him often enjoy. His balloons were a hit. According to Daniel, they sold out so quickly that he began selling regular balloons as well, and those sold out, too.
The money raised may have been modest in amount, but the impact of Daniel's gesture was immeasurable. His donation was accompanied by a touching note thanking the SSM Health Treffert Center for the role it played in his life.
"When I moved to Pennsylvania, the Treffert Center was gone, and none of the services were there, which made me realize how good these services were for a young hyperlexic kid," Daniel wrote. "I loved the Treffert Center, and hope it keeps helping a new generation of hyperlexic kids from here on out."
Daniel's mother, Lauren Mitchell, shared that her son was thrilled to learn the SSM Health Treffert Center remembered him. She said he still talks about Treffert often and was excited to be recognized by the organization that helped shape his early years. She also noted that the sensory balloons were Daniel's own idea, connecting directly to his experience and understanding of sensory needs.
Stories like Daniel's are powerful reminders of the lasting impact compassionate care can have on patients and families. Years after receiving services, Daniel chose to turn his gratitude into action, giving back so that other children can benefit from the same support that helped him succeed.
His generosity may have started with a bag of balloons and a creative idea, but it ultimately became something much bigger - a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers who made a difference in his life and an inspiring example of how kindness comes full circle.
