Deanna Salamone the creator/inventor of Salamone’s PASTAbilities, started the company in 2007. This is her story:

People ask me how I happened to come up with the idea for Salamone’s PASTAbilities. Well, my story is about two little miracles that gave me strength, courage, and great inspiration.

I would like to dedicate this story to everyone that has touched my life — and gave me faith to believe in the impossible. For those of you who read my story, I hope to inspire you to believe that anything can happen — there is purpose in life.

On September 13, 2001 (same week as the 9/11 attack) my boys were born at 24 ½ weeks. Weighing 1 lb. 7 oz. and 1 lb. 8 oz., and not able to breath on their own, one had a grade 4 brain bleed and his brother had 3 heart conditions simultaneously.

Doctors told us that they had a 3% chance and a 5% chance of living. If they did survive, their quality of life would be diminished. It was likely they could have Down’s Syndrome, Spina bifida or major mental retardation. At this point we needed to make a choice in the next 72 hours to give life support or not.

We chose life — life was very scary and surreal for me at this point. We were shocked that this was happening to us. That this happy, joyful time of having twins just became a heart wrenching, indescribable sadness. But we knew when we looked into their eyes that we would do anything for them to survive.

After overcoming many hurdles with meds and surgeries, at 2 months we could finally hold them. Hoping and praying that they would be okay, we dedicated 100% of our time to them. For 4 months straight we didn’t work — our job now was to be with our babies. The boys’ father took the night shift, and I took the day shift. At first we took one minute at a time, then one hour, then one day at a time. This experience was truly like riding a roller coaster — one minute they would be progressing, then one minute later one of them would need surgery. We believe that our being there — every moment we could — gave them reason to fight to survive. We read, sang, played Mozart, and held their tiny fingers while they were in their pods.

They did beat the odds — after 4 months, 15 blood transfusions, a few surgeries, and many, many prayers. They were finally ready to be home. No more monitors, no more meds, no more pods — at almost 5 lbs. each they were ready to be home. We had no idea how their health would be, what kind of medical problems they would encounter, or if they would have disabilities. We loved them and wanted to cherish every moment with them.

Having been so premature they amazed everyone! They overcame many hurdles. They had many delays: fine motor, speech, sensory, tactile, and processing. Starting at age 13 months we had 3 therapists, 5 days a week for 2 years. We were back and forth to doctors every other day. The boys were making small strides and reaching milestones at a slow pace, but boy were we ecstatic! We knew we had many challenges to come — we always had our guard up. So we spent as much time as we could with them.

Cooking with my children was always enjoyable, fun, and creative — it was a learning time for all of us. We explored food — helping their tactile and sensory issues, as well as fine motor skills. Since cooking is a passion of mine, I always encouraged the boys to enjoy the time creating their own meals — especially pasta.

Pasta is a favorite since my boys’ father’s family has been in the pasta business for over 30 years. Ever since the boys could eat solid foods they have eaten pasta — they could eat it everyday! When the boys visited the pasta factory, the boys would work with the dough. They started making shapes with cookie cutters and pizza cutters creating their own shapes. Of course they would gobble it up. This gave them confidence and encouraged them to cook, making home made foods part of their lives. This is great for them — they’re building life-long, healthy eating habits.

The boys are now heading toward their 9th birthday, and the obstacles they have overcome are amazing! They are full of energy with great personalities; caring, loving, positive, persistent, and eager for each day. They have reached the 25th percentile for height and weight for their age. They still continue to be challenged.

Just this year one of the boys was diagnosed with a Chairi I brain malformation. So, again we pray and make sure we do everything we can to give them a wonderful, healthy life. They are fighters and miracles — I know God has a plan for them. I know that they will reach those milestones and accomplish the goals they set in life.

I am truly grateful for all three of my boys and cherish each day that I spend with them. After our journey — years of living with ups and downs, PASTAbilities was created. Something fun, healthy and unique came from those challenges — it truly came from the heart!

So I encourage all to be creative and enjoy the time you share in the kitchen with your family and friends. Have fun creating and eating delicious foods. I believe children and adults will enjoy and be inspired by their experience with PASTAbilities for years to come!

Deanna

PS: On a side note I would like to thank every nurse and doctor who took care of my boys at the Strong NICU. Without them my boys would not be here today.

If this story has touched you, please consider making a donation to
Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong go to their web site for details.