Kelvin was Born two months premature in December 2016 It wasn’t until he had missed several developmental milestones that KJ was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. KJ was only 8 months old at the time.
“One doctor told us the he was probably blind and that he’d be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. We didn’t believe that for a second.”
It was then Mom and Dad sought out therapy for their son but their original option quickly became too expensive to manage. That’s when they heard that MCRC didn’t charge family and they immediately got Kelvin on the waiting list. Before he could begin therapy, the therapists and parents developed a treatment plan that would be atypical, with his treatment plan having multiple intervals based on key milestones. The first goal was to prepare KJ for a crucial surgery.
Preparation and surgery can be hard for anyone but Kelvin, being just 1 at the time, had the fortitude to work hard. His rehab consisted of physical and occupational therapy catered to strengthening him for surgery – a surgery that would give him his biggest chance to walk – and the rehabilitation he would need afterwards.
Surgery was a success but KJ wasn’t out of the woods just yet. After his body recovered, doctors cleared KJ to begin therapy – this time his goal was going to be to walk independently and eventually play outside! His therapists, Jami, Susan, and Kristal, were ready to get therapy started.
“He’s progressed very well. It’s really been a team effort and his parents completely support what he’s learning at the center by continuing his therapy at home.”
He visits the center 4 days each week for physical and occupational therapy - but there’s something else about Kelvin’s therapy that’s different from other kiddos therapy - something that’s unique to him and his family. Calf roping.
“All he does is watch videos of cowboys roping!” his grandmother proudly stated. “Everyone in his family rodeos and he comes from a long line of cowboys.”
“Once we discovered what he liked, we started to get more out of him. He really started improving fast.”
Now, KJ ropes “steers” in hippotherapy which is strengthening his core and making neurological connections that give him the ability to have more control over his movements. Mom, is expecting great outcomes from therapy and believes her son will be roping like his dad in ten or so years.
