We knew I would eventually be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
We knew it would be classified as 'moderate to severe'.
We didn't know much else.
But, we knew we could start therapies and do everything possible to give me the best chance.
My therapies started in hospital.
They have continued, ever since.
We really believe in early intervention.
Because of early therapies, I can open my fingers and reach for things. My fingers were usually in a closed fist, when I was in my first months.
Even during my chemotherapy treatments, I wanted to do exercises. I would come home from hospital, hear Aunty Carol's voice and want to work. She'd hold me and I would stiffen my legs. That told her I wanted to stand. I'd try really hard. Some days, I even took a few steps.
My body was exhausted, but my determination was strong.
Mum makes sure I do exercises every day. She keeps me strong and determined.
(Ankle Foot Orthotics are a plastic splint that is worn to support my feet and ankles. I have an AFO for both feet. Since my femoral osteotomy procedure, one of my AFOs has a wedge under it, to compensate for my shorter leg. AFOs keep my feet in a better posture for walking or standing.)
That was a bit of a sad day. Getting equipment like this was a reminder that I was going to need a lot of support. It was also a reminder that I might never play footy or soccer, like other kids my age. (I have already kicked a ball around, but we were not so comfortable with my disabilities back then.)
As I grow, I get new AFOs.
I'm wearing AFOs in this photo. This was when the old standing frame was too small, but before we had my new one.
It was our first 'big' piece of equipment, and it scared us a little.
Soon enough though, we were comfortable using it. We never actually had anyone tell us the real importance of standing frames, and the reasons I should use it. Had we known, back then, how important standing is... we would have used that frame a lot more.
Standing is so important. It gives me a chance to see the world from a different perspective. It allows me to be more included in everything. It is said to improve confidence. It develops strength and helps with my bone density. It helps my hips to form and develop in the correct position.
Now, I use my (new) standing frame every day, for as long as possible.
Right from the first day, we liked her! We trusted her.
Over the years, those feelings have just continued to develop. She is an amazing physiotherapist. If we had a million billion dollars, we would have therapy with Zoe every day, and pay her to work with other kids like me. She sees my strength and potential. She knows I'm cheeky. She tells me I am cheeky. She adapts her exercises, to best suit my needs and interests.
Zoe has helped me to become so much stronger and more determined.
She sees me.
The people who believe in me continue to 'raise the bar'. Expectations are constantly being raised and I love achieving new things! I'm so proud of what I can do and I work really hard to learn new things. #nevergiveup
Our world went into a downward spin. Nothing made sense and there was no hope. We hated those words. We hated the limits and the lost dreams.
We were angry and scared and frustrated and worried.
We had to google the term 'cerebral palsy'.
We knew nothing, and it was all too much.
We knew we'd get stronger.
We knew we'd understand it, eventually.
We knew we'd be ok...
But for a while... everything just spun and spun.
Now, almost five years later, we can joke to ourselves about my cerebral palsy.
We can have some fun with it.
My cerebral palsy still breaks our hearts sometimes, but we're much stronger and more confident, now. (We know my birthday party will have sad moments - when I need help opening presents and I can't jump out of bed all excited and ready.)
We know we will adapt and find a way. We know we will be ok.
Cerebral Palsy Doesn’t Stop Me Understanding Stuff
Classifications – CP & Dexter
It’s A Good Time To Have CP
You Look Funny
What a Dollar means to Dexter
When Wheelchair Stops Being a Dirty Word
About the Sisters
Dexter's 2013
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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