Brainpalsy.com – Helping Parents Combat Cerebral Palsy

Are you simply living with Cerebral Palsy, or did you already learn to live with Cerebral Palsy? Although it may seem like a small play on words, there is a big difference, if you stop to think about it. Consider the real-life case study examples for a better understanding. Of course, the names have been changed to protect the innocent or the not so innocent, whichever the case may be.

Case 1:

Renee has what most consider a moderate case of cerebral palsy. Although she can walk unaided on unobstructed surfaces, she used forearm crutches to ambulate outside the home. She speaks well and can write, even though her hands are obviously impaired by CP.

However, Renee has had one big problem. Her elderly parents wanted to make living with cerebral palsy easier, so they basically wait on her hand and foot. She does not even go to the kitchen to get a snack. Her parents are a personal delivery service.

After graduating high school, Renee has tried to attend a small religious community college. Surely these people are going to be kind and helpful. In truth, the college did invest in a new wheelchair, so Renee did not have to try and walk between classes. But, Renee was not grateful! It was not electric!

Students and faculty try hard to accommodate Renee and help her with the daily activities she has trouble doing on her own. But, unlike her parents, her new friends expect Renee to exercise her capabilities and do more for herself.

At last contact, Renee has returned home embittered and angry. She has gone back to her personal delivery service. Renee may be living with cerebral palsy, but she never has taken the opportunity to learn to live with CP.

Case 2:

Tom is a boy with severe cerebral palsy. He cannot walk, talk, or dress himself. He has difficulty swallowing, and often drools. Because of poorly developed lungs, Tom is not expected to live past his 20s.

But, for the people who have taken the time to get to know Tom, it is very obvious his mom has made sure he was able to learn to live with cerebral Palsy. He loves Tacos and Pizza. He may not be able to swallow well, and it may be a messy adventure, but he loves every bite.

Tom cannot speak. Doctors have told his mom that Tom is also severely mentally disabled. His mom is his champion. Refusing to believe another negative prognosis, Tom learns to sign basic needs with one mangled hand. He can tell his mom when he is hungry, thirsty, and more. His eyes sparkle and he tries to laugh when someone tells a joke. He likes to have someone wrestle with him on the floor. He smiles all the time.

Last seen, Tom is standing! After constant physical therapy and a specially designed walker, he is standing on his own two feet. He grins from ear to ear! His mom says he has finally received a computerized speaking computer that he can manipulate with one finger to talk. Now, he can tell her how much she is loved.

You Decide

Living with cerebral palsy is one thing, but, if you really learn to live with cerebral palsy, it is quite another. Neither is easy, but one is definitely more rewarding.

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