FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2025
HMS School Receives Generous Gift from Former HMS Family to Support Campus Enhancements
Philadelphia, PA – HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is thrilled to announce a generous donation from Ammon and Maryanne Baus, an HMS alumni family whose lasting connection to the school through their son, Christian, has inspired this meaningful gift. These unrestricted funds will go directly toward much-needed renovations and enhancements to campus security, ensuring a safer and more accessible learning environment for HMS students.
Christian Baus attended HMS for 9 years before graduating from the school in 2010. His former teacher and now Director of Assistive and Information Technology, Kristin McKeown, shared, “Christian was a gentle old soul whose smile melted your heart and laugh made your day. He was one of my first students, and he will always hold a special place in my heart”. While Christian passed away peacefully at the age of 31 in 2021, his legacy continues to shine at HMS through the generosity of his loving parents and family members.
Ammon and Maryanne shared “HMS was a very important part of Christian’s and our lives. It meant so much to us to have such a wonderful place for Christian to attend on a daily basis. Christian’s teachers, aides, therapists and the entire staff of the school were so attentive to his needs and so good about allowing us to be part of the whole process during Christian’s years there. We feel like we knew and had great relationships with just about everyone who worked at HMS from the administration through the entire staff”.
“We are beyond grateful for this incredible act of generosity,” said Ceciry Rodriguez-Pimentel, Director of Development & Community Engagement. “The Baus’s gift will have a lasting impact, allowing us to make vital improvements that directly benefit our students, staff, and families. It’s a powerful reminder of how the HMS community continues to support our mission, even long after their time here.”
As HMS continues its commitment to providing exceptional education and care for children and young adults with complex, specialized needs, unrestricted gifts like this play a crucial role in making necessary improvements to our campus. Whether it’s creating additional programming, upgrading security systems, or simply keeping the lights on, every dollar given helps us create a safer, more inclusive space for students to thrive.
This remarkable donation serves as an inspiring call to action—HMS welcomes and encourages additional support from those who wish to make a difference. Every gift, no matter the size, contributes to the school’s ability to provide the highest quality care and education to students like Christian and all those who have come after him.
To learn more about HMS School and how you can support its mission, please visit www.HMSschool.org or contact Ceciry Rodriguez-Pimentel, Director of Development & Community Engagement at Development@hmsschool.org or 215-222-2566 x 176.
About HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
HMS School educates, nurtures, and cares for children and young adults with complex physical disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological impairments, with the goal of enabling each to reach their maximum potential. We promote independence and improve the quality of life for youth in a safe and secure environment so each can lead a fulfilling, stimulating life now and as an adult.
Contact:
Christina Service
Marketing Manager
HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Development@hmsschool.org | 215-222-2566 x 200
