Talented Teen Gives Back to ChildServe Through Extraordinary Performance

In a dark event hall in Des Moines, spotlights blaze down on 15-year-old Jude Salten. The room goes silent. The faces of 1,400 guests look up at him expectantly. As the music begins, Jude’s years of training kick in as he comfortably sings out the piece he’s prepared, despite the pressure of a live performance in front of so many listeners.

This experience at ChildServe’s annual fundraising gala, Bubble Ball, marks a unique, full-circle moment for Jude, who has cerebral palsy. Jude has received care at ChildServe — a nonprofit specialty pediatric healthcare provider — since 2017. As a Bubble Ball performer the last two years, Jude proudly lends his voice and musical talent to support ChildServe’s mission: to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.

“I wanted to participate in Bubble Ball to inspire other people with disabilities and show them that they can do anything despite their disability,” Jude said. “I also wanted to show what can be accomplished with support from organizations like ChildServe. My favorite parts of Bubble Ball were showcasing my talent to a great audience and helping ChildServe achieve its goal of helping children with special healthcare needs.”

Since he was 2 years old, Jude has spent many hours in physical and occupational therapy to overcome the impact of cerebral palsy, which limits his range of movement, makes mobility difficult and impacts his ability to hold his body upright for good breath support while singing.

For Jude, cerebral palsy affected his brain, which makes it hard to control his muscles. He uses a wheelchair most of the time, or a reverse walker.

Showcasing Jude’s Talent at the Bubble Ball

With support from his mom, ChildServe therapists and vocal instructors, Jude hasn’t let cerebral palsy stand in the way of doing what he loves and letting his talents shine. Jude takes voice lessons at the University of Iowa, and he is active in local music opportunities. Along with performing in the Cedar Rapids Opera Chorus, the 8th grader recently won the regional level of a national singing competition — even beating out high school students after being mistakenly placed into the wrong age category. A review panel at the national competition praised Jude’s performance, describing his voice as “beautiful, powerful and musical … with contrasts in dynamics and sensitive expressions throughout [his] performances” as part of a long list of positive feedback.

According to Jude’s mom, Hala Abuissa, Jude has to spend a lot of energy just to stand and keep himself upright because of his cerebral palsy. Even with that disadvantage, he receives great feedback about his musicality from his teachers and competition judges. Jude has big dreams of attending one of the top music schools in the country one day, and she is grateful to everyone who believes in him and has supported his talents.

 

Becoming an accomplished singer was only possible for Jude through many hours of hard work in therapy. ChildServe’s therapy team uses music as a motivator during his therapy sessions to help Jude strengthen his muscles, increase his movement and flexibility and improve his breath support to enable him to project his voice.

Rachel Kongshaug, Rehab Manager and Physical Therapist at ChildServe in Iowa City, has known Jude for 11 years and served as one of his therapists for 8 years.

At ChildServe, the approach to rehabilitation is based in play, so it’s important to always work to use the interests of each child in their customized therapy plan. Rachel’s team has harnessed Jude’s love for music and singing as motivation when needed during his physical therapy appointments. In his younger years, they’d often have Jude sing to engage his core muscles and improve his breathing efficiency. This improved his ability to stabilize his posture for balance and functional mobility.

When the ChildServe Foundation team was looking for a talented performer to participate in the Bubble Ball, Rachel knew it was the perfect opportunity for Jude to demonstrate everything he’s worked so hard to accomplish.

ChildServe’s Bubble Ball is Des Moines’ largest fundraising gala, featuring a themed runway show of custom-made creations from local designers — comprised primarily of BUBBLE WRAP®. Jude’s rendition of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 2023, and an Italian piece called “Già il sole dal Gange” by Scarlatti, in 2024, were each met with a standing ovation.

2023 Performance

 

2024 Performance

 

Everyone who knows Jude sees the depths of his determination to continue improving himself. He has poured many hours of hard work into his singing career and his physical therapy, but it’s his belief in himself that’s the most inspiring. Seeing him up on the stage at the Bubble Ball and hearing the roar of the crowd is incredibly rewarding. He deserves every ounce of that celebration and support.

For Jude, his progress in therapy, his success in musical endeavors, and his big moment on the ChildServe Bubble Ball stage, are proof of something he’s known for a long time. Jude used to say when he began his battle with cerebral palsy – Just because someone has cerebral palsy doesn’t mean they can’t do anything. They can do whatever they want and be whoever they want.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.