Spencer and Eli Pardee, two adopted brothers from Guatemala, now living in Michigan, have an inspiring story of resilience, growth, and movement. Both boys were adopted at 8 months old and faced significant physical challenges early in life - but through encouragement, structured physical activity, and Mileage Club, they discovered their strength and confidence.
From Early Challenges to Early Intervention
Spencer (now 20) and Eli's (now 18) mother, Dr. Terri Pardee, a Professor of Psychology at Spring Arbor University, has long studied childhood development, including topics such as high-function autism, trauma effects on children, and physiological psychology.
She explains that the brain stem develops from the bottom up, and when children lack progressive physical activity, their gross motor skills - and even cognitive and emotional growth - can be delayed. Many adopted children face these challenges due to limited early physical development opportunities, such as being swaddled for extended periods. Swaddling babies, which is a common practice in third-world countries because of environmental health concerns, can limit opportunities to strengthen core muscles.
Recognizing these risks, Terri enrolled her sons in the Jackson County ISD Lyle A. Torrant Center's Early Childhood Program, where they received speech, occupational, and physical therapy. This provided essential early support - but the breakthrough came later, through physical education and Mileage Club.
The Role of Physical Education and Mileage Club
As a first grader, Spencer struggled with weak core muscles and was unable to lie on his back and roll to his stomach. He also dealt with twisted tibias, which resulted in him being extremely pigeon-toed. He wore leg braces as a young child and often tripped when he walked.
When Spencer met Debbie Drake, a long-time Physical Education teacher at Jackson Christian Elementary School for 17 years, and a core member of the Fitness Finders team since 1977. Debbie helped develop the Mileage Club program alongside company founders Dr. Charles and Beth Kuntzleman.
Terri recalls telling Debbie:
"My son has pretty significant gross motor delays. Spencer may not be able to run."
Debbie responded without hesitation:
"We can work with him."
Through consistent encouragement and Mileage Club participation, Terri noticed Spencer began building strength and coordination. What once seemed impossible - rolling over, running, even balancing - became achievable milestones. By fifth grade, Spencer was thriving; he was running comfortably, earned awards in his PE class for push-ups, and placed in the top 10 for physical fitness in his class.
Finding Joy and Confidence in Running
The Pardees offered Spencer a variety of opportunities to be active. They enrolled him in traditional sports like baseball and soccer, but they weren't the right fit for him due to sensory challenges and a reserved personality. Mileage Club provided an inclusive and motivating environment where he could move at his own pace and experience success. He could practice running to improve his performance, meet goals, and have fun!
“The kids had a ball with Mileage Club®,” Terri told us in our interview.
In middle school, Spencer was part of his school's cross-country team - a milestone that once seemed unimaginable. When his mom nervously asked if he was ready for his first meet, he confidently replied:
“Oh, yeah. We ran that far at lunch every day for Mileage Club®.”
A Family Journey of Growth
Spencer’s younger brother Eli faced many of the same physical
challenges, compounded by medications that can affect metabolism. He, too, found joy and purpose in running. Eli has completed two 5K races and is proud of his accomplishments - proof that perseverance and support can go a long way.
Dr. Pardee credits Mileage Club and a quality PE program for her sons' long-term physical and emotional growth.
“Running has made the boys physically healthier, provided them an outlet for stress, and has taught them fitness skills that they will be able to use throughout their entire lives.”
- Terri Pardee
The Power of Movement with Mileage Club
Stories like Spencer and Eli's highlight the deep connection between physical activity, brain development, and lifelong well-being. Mileage Club helps children of all abilities experience success, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of movement.
If you're ready to help your students discover their own potential, visit Fitnessfinders.net or call 800-789-9255 to learn how Mileage Club can transform your school's fitness program.
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