Meet Calvin!

Calvin seemed like a typical baby at birth. However, as he grew, he started missing developmental milestones such as crawling. An MRI revealed that he had suffered a perinatal (before birth) stroke. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and right-side hemiplegia. CP is a neurological disorder that affects muscle control and movement. Hemiplegia is one-sided muscle weakness.

Due to upper body weakness, Calvin learned to walk before he crawled. As a walker, his physiatrist recommended that he start wearing ankle-foot orthotics (AFOs/braces). The braces aligned, supported, and stretched his muscles as he grew. When he was little, he affectionately called the braces his “boots.”

Calvin’s stroke injury is irreversible, but physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) help his brain form new pathways. Some movements that come naturally to most children, like climbing stairs, have required a lot of practice for him to master. Sometimes he needs to learn new ways to do things, like getting dressed. His “righty” hand doesn’t cooperate, so he wears pants with elastic waistbands and footwear with zippers or Velcro to make one-handed dressing easier.

Medical and therapy appointments are a regular part of Calvin’s life. At age 5, he had tendon-lengthening surgery on his right leg and started kindergarten using a wheelchair. Once he recovered, he was able to walk and wear one AFO brace instead of two. Calvin is now a second grader and still wears one AFO. He chose a camouflage design for his newest brace.

Staying active is important for CP kids. Calvin played t-ball, learning to bat and field primarily with one hand. Like the Calvin in the book, he almost always made it to first base! He’s also taken adaptive swimming lessons, adaptive gymnastics, and attended youth basketball camp. His most recent adventure has been horseback therapy to help his hips and core strength.

Calvin loves being outdoors on his grandparents’ farm. He knows facts about the farming equipment and enjoys riding with Papa in the ranger, tractor, and combine. He started 4-H and helped care for a bucket calf last summer. He says he’d like to be a farmer when he grows up.

Despite his challenges, Calvin has a positive attitude and determination to do things other children do. He’s been blessed with wonderful teachers and coaches who understand his individual needs. He’s also surrounded by classmates and community members who accept him and treat him with kindness. He continues to amaze us with his capabilities, despite his disabilities.

“Every hour on this planet, another child is born with Cerebral Palsy.”
~Cerebral Palsy Foundation~