John's Funding is Closed

The closest I’ve ever been to wearing a brace was a splint I had after fracturing my pinky finger. So when I met John, I was in awe. Every step he takes is aided by foot-to-thigh metal contraptions surrounding his legs. When he came into the room for his consultation, our doctors had to ask him to remove the braces so we could examine him. You should have seen his face. It was summed up in the word “annoyed.” The process of unfastening each part and then “unplugging” the whole thing from the soles of his shoes looked like such a hassle and took quite a while.

As I looked at the details in his file, I learned that, aside from his mother’s report of him having jaundice at birth, John was born normal. But at some point that’s still unclear, it became apparent that something was wrong. That “something” was quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects his brain and all four limbs. Because of the weakness in his legs, John can’t walk unsupported, thus the need for the braces. When he went through surgery before, his condition improved, but there’s still a bit more that our doctors can do for him. That’s where his next surgery in May comes into the picture.

Aside from physical ailments, he apparently has some attitude ailments that his teachers complain about often. Even in my short time with him, I also noted the same, so now it’s just a matter of finding out where it’s stemming from. I’m just thankful that God’s led us to treat not only the physical side of patients, but also the spiritual side. So at least John will have someone to talk to when he gets to CURE, and I’m praying that the outlet we hope to provide results in him leaving our hospital with more than just better legs.