If you’ve been around the center long enough, then you’ve probably met Hannah. Ask anyone about Hannah and the first thing they’ll tell you is that she has a joyful personality, her attitude is contagious, and her smile lights up the room.
Hannah has been receiving occupational, physical, and speech therapy at MCRC for over 7 years. Throughout that time, her therapists have set plenty of objectives for her as she works towards developmental goals that include strengthening her core, improving her verbal communication and a deeper capability for self care. Mom even says, “she wants to do chores, too,” a comment Hannah could neither confirm nor deny through her laughter.
Hannah’s diagnosis of Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and Transfemoral amputation of her right leg requires her to use a wheelchair, traditional stander and a prosthesis. However, a few months ago Hannah outgrew her stander and it was no longer able to meet her needs. Having the ability to stand is something that many of us take for granted. The act of standing helps improve our respiration, voice control, and our posture, while increasing bone density and circulation – benefits Hannah was at risk of losing if something was not done.
Part MCRC’s vision is to provide rehabilitation services at little or no cost, which includes being the best advocates of a patient’s needs. That’s why a request for a new stander was made and approved. But this is no ordinary stander, it’s a dynamic (mobile) stander sporting a bright pink paint finish! This new piece of equipment will allow Hannah the freedom to explore, to participate in a wider variety of activities, and the chance to progress her rehab in new and exciting ways. Jessica O.T.R., M.O.T. is certain, “This will be good so that she (Hannah) can be eye level with her peers.”
“It made me so happy to see her excited – for her to do things on her own – to be free” Hannah’s mom has always been supportive of her and her therapy and looks forward to Hannah’s continued progress at the center.
An active participant in MCRC’s Unlimited Dance Company, Hannah’s next recital may involve her performing the “moon-walk” or 1,000 spins in her dynamic stander – a sight we’re all eager to see!
