Eloise, a dynamic and determined young girl, received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy just before her second birthday. After Eloise celebrated her first birthday, her parents assumed she would start walking soon, but as each month passed by, despite their initial hopes and patience, Eloise had still not taken her first steps. Her parents recall the pivotal moment when, at 18 months, Eloise was referred by her primary care physician for evaluations and specialized care.
Their journey led them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware where Eloise underwent a series of comprehensive evaluations, including MRI, EKG, and X-rays. While the test results appeared normal, Eloise was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy due to her muscle spasticity and gait difficulties. Eloise’s family learned to their surprise that in a majority of cases, the specific cause of cerebral palsy is unknown.
Eloise took her first steps shortly before her 2nd birthday, albeit with difficulty. To aid her mobility, she sometimes wears an orthotic brace on her left leg for assistance. She became an active participant in the Nemours Children’s CP clinic, where she received ongoing support and care since her initial testing in 2017.
During her time at Nemours, Eloise has also had the opportunity to visit the Gait & Motion Analysis Lab, an essential resource in the hospital’s comprehensive care approach. The Gait Lab specializes in analyzing the unique walking patterns, known as “gait,” of children with mobility challenges. Utilizing advanced technology, including three-dimensional (3-D) computer modeling, the lab meticulously examines muscle activity and body motion to identify issues affecting a child’s gait. This detailed analysis, conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising biomechanists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists, enables tailored treatment plans to be developed for each child. As one of only a few such facilities nationwide, Nemours’ Gait & Motion Analysis Lab offers children like Eloise the best possible care to help them reach their full potential.
Describing Eloise as active, intelligent, and resilient, her parents highlight her love for challenges and her eagerness to educate others about her condition. From a young age, Eloise has embraced activities like horseback riding and swimming, finding strength through equine therapy. Her dream is to become a veterinarian when she grows up.
As March marks Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, Eloise is gearing up to take her advocacy efforts to the next level. In her second-grade class, she plans to read a book about cerebral palsy, inviting her peers to learn and ask questions about her brace and unique way of walking. With her characteristic wit, Eloise playfully teases her classmates, promising them answers only when March arrives.
