In 2025, I was struggling. My beautiful son, Eddie, was sick with a slew of unexplained, severe medical complications. Eddie has undergone countless doctors appointments, therapies and procedures. At Eddie’s sickest, he was a mere 17 pounds at the age of 15 months.
To further complicate the matter: I am blessed with two older children. Trying to balance meeting my children’s needs while caring for a chronically ill baby was impossible, and I realized I needed both of my older children in the same preschool during the same hours. With only a few weeks before school started, there were no preschools who could take both of my older children except Belmont Cooperative Nursery School.
I called the Director Krissy Waters, and explained my situation. Krissy said. “Yes, we will help you and accept your children.” I will forever be grateful she went out of her way for my children. Krissy, as well as all the amazing teachers at BCNS, welcomed my family with open arms when we needed support and community the most. Krissy and BCNS have restored my faith in humanity.
I moved to Belmont in November, and it was the best decision. Once at BCNS, I learned the entire Belmont community is welcoming, inclusive, and values education for all. When we finally were able to get a diagnosis for Eddie, it was the BCNS community that supported us the most.
Eddie has a rare genetic condition that causes physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and numerous health complications. He is going to need support for the rest of his life. The hardest part about Eddie’s diagnosis is knowing that one day, my husband and I won’t be around to care for him.
Everyone in Belmont should feel so proud of their community, especially with the Belmont Public School system. In a world where services for the most vulnerable children are being cut, Belmont is on the right side of history. I thank Superintendent Dr. Jill Geiser, for making accommodations for my family, and for preschool Director Rebecca Zieminski, for her kindness and dedication towards providing the highest quality of education for all children.
We found a safe haven in this cruel world where I know my son will be accepted, where the school system will do what is best for him, with a community that chooses to do the right thing.
It is amazing how one act of kindness can snowball into truly changing an entire family’s life for the better. I can not thank you enough, Krissy, for saying YES.
Laura Meduna, Beech Street
