I have been reading with great interest the posts of you young
mothers. Our Kendall turned 27 this spring and I thought I'd write
about some of our experiences. (I posted early when this group
began – see post #6!)
I'm impressed with how you each are giving such wonderful care to
your special children and providing for their needs. Our "gentle
giants" are truly some of the greatest people!
Kendall was diagnosed at approximately 6 months. This was not a
difficult diagnosis for his physicians because we had previously had
a son, Kevin, who was diagnosed in 1975 shortly after Dr. Weaver's
initial article appeared in the national journals. (Kevin died of
leukemia in 1977. He was 3 yrs 9 months and was the size of an
average 8 year old at the time.)
We were blessed to have in our life the same physicians from Denver
as Kevin when Kendall was born in Colorado Springs. They would
sometimes travel here; or we would go there. Kendall started
physical therapy at 3 months and then progressed to speech therapy or
occupational therapy when age appropriate. This early intervention
enabled him to do many more things physically than was expected
initially.
He was mainstreamed into our neighborhood school with "pull-outs" for
therapy. He made friends easily with classmates and teachers! He
was plagued, however, with respiratory infections and ear infections
for many years.
We have seen orthopedic surgeons to repair his feet that were
effected by club feet. Over the years, each doctor has "dropped off"
of his care as they have not had any more input for his well-being.
Some doctors couldn't answer our questions – and often said that "we
are writing the book" by living each day.
Kendall has a great job right now at the airport. He is a "wheel-
chair attendant" and loves it there! He has had other full time jobs
but doesn't think about leaving the airport. He stays really busy
with Special Olympics – playing basketball, volleyball, swimming, and
softball! As a family, this has been wonderful, as our other 4
children could participate as "partners", too.
I would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. We truly
have been there, done that in so many ways.
Warm wishes to each of you and your families,
Alene Cromar
Colorado Springs Colorado