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CP

Raising a child with cerebral palsy (CP) comes with unique challenges and triumphs. In this Q&A, Declan’s mom, Kianna, shares her family’s journey—from navigating his diagnosis to finding the right care team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. She reflects on the impact of CP on their daily lives, the importance of expert support, and how Dr. Shrader and the CP team have given them hope for Declan’s future. What is the most challenging part of the day for Declan? Declan’s biggest day-to-day challenge is working around his mind-body interactions. He is a very active kid and loves to play games at recess with his friends, but his legs don’t always cooperate. He has always been able to find a way to adjust, but his competitive spirit means he gets frustrated with the limitations CP places on him. What is Declan’s favorite part of the day? Declan’s favorite part of the […]

When Logan was born at just 31 weeks, his parents knew his journey would be anything but typical. After a complicated pregnancy and an early arrival, Logan faced significant medical challenges from the very start. Diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) and later with Cerebral Palsy and Autism, his early years were filled with therapies, surgeries, and specialists as his family sought the best possible care. Melissa, Logan’s mom, was determined to give her son every opportunity to thrive. From traveling to St. Louis for eye surgery and Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) to consulting with a CP specialist in Texas, their family left no stone unturned. But when Logan was 8 years old and they were faced with the decision of hip surgery, their search led them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, and Dr. Wade Shrader. The decision to pursue an osteotomy was not an easy one. “We consulted with numerous […]

When Piper was just four months old, her parents faced an unexpected concern: their pediatrician noticed her head size was not typical. After a series of tests, Piper was diagnosed with microcephaly. By the time she was nine months old, she was missing developmental milestones, and by her second birthday, she had also been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Piper’s journey also brought unique challenges with communication and mobility. As a nonverbal child, Piper relies on creative ways to express herself, and her family has embraced learning to understand her cues. Piper is also not yet mobile, affecting her ability to move around and get from one place to another on her own. In 2022, the family relocated to Florida and began researching the best care options for Piper. “We spent a lot of time looking for facilities that could meet Piper’s needs,” her mother, Christy explains. “Nemours was the best […]

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 […]

Riley’s diagnosis with cerebral palsy became apparent when her family noticed she wasn’t hitting the typical milestones. “I was not walking at 18 months old,” she recalls. “It was recommended that I have an evaluation by PT and OT specialists after seeing my pediatrician,” leading to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy shortly after. Prior to treatment at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Riley faced the challenges of cerebral palsy. “I had very big bunions on both feet, which made walking and running long distances very painful,” she shares. “I had a very limited range of motion due to my CP, that made running, walking, and swimming difficult on my muscles. I couldn’t wear a lot of shoes, like sandals and flats.” However, Riley’s life took a turn for the better when she discovered Nemours Children’s in Wilmington, Delaware through the recommendations of peers who had undergone similar journeys. “My family found […]

Hudson’s journey with cerebral palsy began at just 3 months old when he was diagnosed with polymicrogyria. His parents, determined to give him the best care possible, sought out specialized treatment. Their quest led them to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida where they found not just medical expertise, but a supportive community dedicated to Hudson’s well-being. Before Nemours Children’s, Hudson had already undergone care at various children’s hospitals in North Carolina and Colorado. However, it was when they were referred to Nemours that Hudson’s family found a comprehensive approach to his care, encompassing not just medical treatment but also emotional support and encouragement. “We love Nemours,” Hudson’s mom shares. “Every encounter we have with doctors, nurses, and other clinical staff has been exceptional. Dr. Malone is just outstanding! He is approachable, caring and kind. I felt that he is fully committed to benefit the kids he serves. He is also an […]