When you meet Quinn Cross, you quickly realize you’re in the presence of someone extraordinary. She may be only two years old, but this little girl is wise beyond her years, bursting with smarts, sass, and spirit. She’s a twin, born at just 28 weeks, and has already shown a resilience and spark that are hard to put into words—but we’re going to try.
Quinn’s early arrival into the world was dramatic. Her brother, Peter, was born vaginally, while Quinn needed a surgical assist to make her debut. From the beginning, she’s been determined to do things in her own way, on her own timeline. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy—specifically, spastic diplegia—she’s working hard every day to grow stronger with her care team.
Early Challenges, Big Progress
After a long NICU stay, Quinn came home on a G-tube to help with feeding and began her life surrounded by a devoted family and a team of medical professionals focused on giving her the best possible start. In November, a scope revealed cysts in her throat, another challenge on her long list, but one that Quinn faced with her usual bravery. She had a successful surgery to remove the cysts and saw her breathing drastically improve from there.
Today, Quinn is still working on sitting independently, and she’s not quite crawling yet. But she can reach, roll, and engage with the world around her in a way that’s full of intention. Her physical therapist, Sam, works with her regularly on core strength, sitting, and getting into a four-point crawling position. Every small step is a major victory. She receives physical therapy twice a week, occupational therapy twice a week, and developmental therapy once a week.
Her team is focused on helping her build the foundational strength she needs to move and explore, and Quinn shows up for every session ready to work—and ready to make people laugh while she’s at it.
A Little Girl with a Lot to Say
One of the first things you notice about Quinn is how incredibly smart she is. Not just “toddler smart,” but truly observant, curious, and articulate. She can spell her name and hold conversations, offering phrases like “You can do it!” or “I’m dancing!” to narrate her own progress or encourage herself along the way.
She has a love for music and books. Her favorite song is “The Muffin Man,” and she lights up when her Tonie box starts to play her favorite tunes. She’s also a fan of Ms. Rachel and The Special Surprise, a book she often requests on repeat. Even when something is tough, she pushes through, always ending with a proud declaration: “I’m having so much fun!”
There’s a spark in Quinn that can’t be overstated. She’s witty, vocal, and completely aware of what’s going on around her. She’s the kind of kid who notices everything and responds with confidence, creativity, and a sense of humor. Whether she’s dancing, singing, or asking for “nother one” of her favorite activities, Quinn reminds everyone around her that joy and growth often come hand in hand.
The Heart of the Family
While Quinn’s story is filled with milestones and therapy sessions, it’s also filled with deep, unwavering love from her family–especially her mom, Diana. Diana serves as Quinn’s primary caregiver and advocate. She’s present for every therapy session, manages Quinn’s medical needs, and keeps the entire household running smoothly while coordinating care through multiple providers.
Diana currently utilizes Structured Family Care and has a nurse in the home to help care for Quinn. In addition to being the caregiver for Quinn, she has support from a few respite nurses, Brittinie and Kaity, from Tendercare, which gives her small but important windows of rest or date nights out with her husband, Jordan. Families with medically complex children often carry invisible loads. Tendercare’s services aim to ease those burdens, offering both hands-on help and emotional peace of mind.
Jordan, Quinn’s dad, is a loving and steady force, and their family bond is unmistakable. Care is a team effort in the Cross household. That includes Quinn’s twin Peter, who’s often on-hand to help and play with his sister.
A Bond Like No Other
Peter and Quinn are an incredible pair. Like most toddlers, Peter has plenty of energy and opinions, but when it comes to Quinn, he shows a depth of patience and empathy that is often found in the siblings of children with disabilities. When nurses or therapists are working with Quinn, Peter waits calmly. He loves to bring her favorite toy–the bus–and proudly hands it to her while repeating phrases like “so sweet,” mimicking what he’s heard adults say about him.
Peter enjoys being involved in his sister’s care. He’ll help shake up her medicine and often tries to engage her in play. Recently, the family had the chance to attend a Big Ten basketball game in a suite at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was a special outing for the whole family. Both kids tried cotton candy for the first time, quickly deciding it wasn’t for them. But the experience and being together was worth it.
Peter is also a fan of Lightening McQueen and proudly shows off his toys when he’s warmed up to new people. His natural sense of compassion and protective care toward Quinn is a reflection of the loving environment Diana and Jordan have created.
The Power of Support
Quinn’s medical and developmental needs are significant, but her potential is limitless—and it’s being unlocked thanks to a combination of family dedication and professional support. Through services like nursing and respite care from Tendercare, the Cross family has found a rhythm that helps them not only manage Quinn’s complex care but enjoy time together as a family.
Nurses have played an important role in Quinn’s journey, offering care, consistency, and another friendly face in Quinn’s circle of trust. Every member of the team—from therapists to nurses—becomes part of that circle, helping Quinn feel safe and supported as she grows.
Care coordination for a medically complex child is never simple, but it becomes manageable with the right partners. The Cross family’s experience shows how compassionate, personalized services can make a world of difference—not just in a child’s progress, but in a family’s quality of life.
A Future Full of Possibility
Quinn continues to defy expectations with every milestone she meets. Whether it’s mastering a new sound, initiating play, or singing “Let It Go” at the top of her lungs, she’s making progress in all the ways that matter most. Her story is still unfolding, but what’s clear is this: she’s surrounded by love, supported by skilled professionals, and has a spark that nothing can dim.
She’s not just a two-year-old with a long list of therapy appointments—she’s a storyteller, a cheerleader, a comedian, and a force of nature. And with her incredible family by her side, we can’t wait to see all she’ll accomplish next.
Need Support for Your Family? We’re Here to Help.
Every family’s story is unique. Whether you’re navigating life with a medically complex child, caring for a loved one with special needs, or simply in need of a little extra help, Tendercare is here to support you.
We offer a range of services, including:
Join the Tendercare Family
If you’re unsure where to start or what your family might qualify for, we’re happy to walk you through your options. Just like we’ve done for Quinn and her family, we’ll meet you where you are—with compassion, expertise, and a team that truly cares
Reach out today to learn how Tendercare can be part of your story.
