Stevie, 9, has been coming to La Rabida once a week for more than seven years for physical therapy. As a patient with cerebral palsy, Stevie has had many challenges, including learning to walk. Last week, he reached a milestone. “This is his first time taking independent steps without using his walker,” said Kim VanKlompenberg, PT, with a smile. He was shaky and uncertain at first, often reaching back to hold onto his grandpa for support or leaning forward, looking to Kim for guidance, but then he let go and took six unaided steps! Stevie had surgery in September to lengthen his hip, knee and ankle muscles, which were so tight that he couldn’t balance enough in order to walk. He completed 12 weeks of strenuous rehab after surgery and was an inpatient at La Rabida for one month. “I’ve seen the results other families have had from coming to La Rabida for therapy,” said grandpa Stevie. “We know several other children who come here for therapy through Stevie’s school and so I’ve been able to see first-hand what the therapists can do. That’s why we keep coming here year after year, because I know what is possible. Now, Stevie has walked for the first time.”
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 17:00:01 +0000