Catherine’s life began on a feeding tube, oxygen and care flight to Cook Children’s to fight for her life against meningitis and a diagnosis of Prader-Willi. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. Catherine’s parents were told to expect substantial milestone delays and prepare for significant, lifelong cognitive deficits.
Catherine first came to Midland Children’s Rehabilitation Center (MCRC) to participate in Motor Mouths. Motor Mouths is a four-week program that focuses on feeding, speech and language development. Beginning of 2018, Catherine started physical therapy with Kristal Kidd M.P.T.. When she first started, she was unable to hold her head up while on her stomach, roll, sit up or crawl.
Kristal struggled to help Catherine become comfortable with her hands and knees. Kristal questioned if crawling would be possible. Right before Christmas, suddenly Catherine began sitting independently, scooting on her bottom and belly crawling. Kristal said, “With weekly therapy and daily work at home with her family she has accomplished all of these things.” In October of 2018, Catherine started speech therapy with Jennifer Austen M.S.-C.C.C.-S.L.P.. Catherine is working on verbal imitation and signing. Jennifer shared, “Catherine is on track to make huge gains in speech.”
Both of Catherine’s therapists, Kristal and Jennifer, have expressed she is making great progress and it’s been a great joy to witness. Catherine’s mom explained, “Catherine is happy, healthy and absolutely thriving. She is meeting milestones much quicker than expected and is as smart as any baby out there! We can’t begin to express our gratitude for MCRC and our therapists. They took on the Catherine challenge early and we wouldn’t be where we are without them. They love her, cheer for her and push her! We are forever grateful to everyone at MCRC…”