At just 7 years old, Aryia has already shown remarkable strength and resilience on her journey with cerebral palsy. Diagnosed at 10 months, Aryia has faced her challenges head-on with the help of her dedicated family and the orthopedic team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida.
It all started when Nina, Aryia’s mother, noticed something unusual after bringing her newborn daughter home. “Her legs would jerk constantly,” Nina recalls. But due to Aryia’s premature birth, doctors were hesitant to give a diagnosis right away. After a few months of evaluations, Aryia was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy in September 2017.
Before moving to Florida, Aryia’s family faced an overwhelming and complicated care plan while living in New York City. They frequently traveled between specialists, even going as far as Philadelphia for medical appointments. “Aryia’s muscle spasms caused her to cross her legs excessively, preventing her from standing or walking. We were in therapy three times a week, and aquatic therapy once a week,” Nina explains. Despite these obstacles, Aryia never lost her determination.
A few years later, Aryia’s family moved to Florida where they discovered Nemours Children’s through a Facebook group during the COVID-19 pandemic. From their first appointment, Nina knew they had found the right place for Aryia. “Dr. Brandys has been hands-on with Aryia for four years now, always answering questions and making sure her needs are met,” Nina says. “The whole staff makes not only Aryia, but our entire family feel comfortable.”
Since joining Nemours, Aryia has undergone several surgeries, including a dorsal rhizotomy and multiple procedures with Dr. Malone to improve mobility. She also receives botox injections and rehabilitation to help manage muscle tightness. Her recovery after these surgeries has been remarkable. “The staff handled her with such care, and my daughter loved how they made her feel comfortable,” Nina shares, reflecting on Aryia’s second major surgery.
Aryia’s family feels confident about her future. The next step is a three-week inpatient rehabilitation program, during which Nemours will coordinate with her school to ensure she doesn’t miss any schoolwork. Her family will stay at the Ronald McDonald House on the Nemours campus, a resource they have found invaluable.
Nina’s advice to other parents navigating a similar path is, “Find a support group, stay away from toxic people, and know that your child is stronger than you think. Give yourself time to take it all in, do your research, and prayer definitely helps.”
With the support of her family, her care team at Nemours, and her unstoppable spirit, Aryia’s future is filled with hope and possibility.
