Living with Cerebral Palsy

Hello All

I went in labor at 17 weeks gestation. The immediately put me on bedrest. I was admitted to the hospital in the next town 2 weeks later (19 weeks). I stayed on bedrest with my boys until 29 weeks. Gage Twin B was diagnosed with Anencephally at 16 weeks gestation however, Gunner Twin A has no known abnormalities so we continued on with the pregnancy

On Nov 3, 2003 Gage’s heart was slowing crashing for the week prior and finally gave up. We were rushed in for emergency c secion to save Gunner’s life. Gunner born at 2:22pm was born with an apgar score of 1…wasn’t doing well. The hospital staff started working on him immediately and got him stable.

My nurse that had taken care of me thoughout my stay prepared Gage and made him feel loved and comfortable until I was out of surgery. Unfortunately Gage passed away while in her care waiting for his mommy to get out of surgery. He held on as long as he could and his little body was just too tired to go on any longer.

Gunner stayed in the hospital NICU for over 2 months getting healthier and stronger to come home. He was diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia at about 5 weeks, with no other detectable abnormalities.

Gunner did very well but we noticed some significant delays in his development. At 7-8 months he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

Currently at age 4 Gunner is ALMOST sitting up…I am so excited!! He self feeds, he is standing with assistance and taking steps…scissored steps but HEY they are steps and exploring with his vocabulary.

God has blessed my life with two wonderful boys that have taught me some of the most amazing things ever.

Enjoy your babies…God chose you to have them for a reason. Be an advocate for them and research research research! Alternative therapies are the BEST in my opinion….don’t fall for all the medications and surgeries….let these babies be the children that they are.

We strive for normality and I whole heartedly believe that is what’s best for my little boy.

God Bless you all and your families with the drive, energy and dedication that it takes to help these babies have a strong voice and place in this world.