Cerebral Palsy TREATMENT

Greetings--my name is Sara Beth & I am a former patient of Shriners Children's Hospital (1[phone redacted]) --specifically the hospital in St. Louis. I have the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy that primarily affects my lower extremities. Shriners became a foundation & beacon of support for me throughout my childhood, always striving to ensure progressive care was given to myself, all the while making my family feel at ease. I will always be thankful for that. Due to the surgeries that were performed by Shriner's excellent medical staff, I learned to walk on my own, of course walking with a contracture & an imperfect gait--but walking.

The purpose of this blog is simply a very humble request. Due to perseverance and my strong will, I have made strides in life that were once called impossible for an individual of my medical circumstance. Adversity has become my friend in life & to me, what makes me unique. I earned a master's degree in social work in 2012 & am now working 70+ hours/wk to inspire hope to others that was once shown to me through Shriner's & their social service workers.

I am now a 26 year old female--In fairly good physical condition. I do not use any aid to walk & make my way towards the gym approximately 4x/wk. In recent months, I have noticed an increase in the amount of hip, leg, & back pain that I have been experiencing. Much to my dissatisfaction, I knew it was time to look into finding help before things progress. I have been researching the concept of Botox injections used as treatment for spastic muscles via Cerebral Palsy in children & adults. I am most impressed with the outcomes that I have read.  Folks who recieve the injections for their CP are finding themselves having a considerate decrease in the joint & muscle pain that they experience, as well as on average a 75% increase in their range of motion. I reside in Evansville, Indiana. While there are medical professionals in this city that would provide such a service--it is such that my insurance will not cover the Botox injections.

I have lived for 26 years with no real hope in regards for how to treat my Cerebral Palsy--most doctors just encourage me to stay active & stretch. It has definitely become a challenge--being aware that a possible Christmas miracle now exists that could aid me to experience straightening my legs for the first time or even going for a run... & that it is out of my reach due to financial hardships, despite my work ethic.

From what I've read, clinical trials & personal testimonials--these injections inspire so much hope for myself & others like me; To have increased flexibility & less spasticity in my legs is such a grandiose thought.  I have never been one to ask for help--I suppose because I've always had the "I will show everyone I can do it" attitude. However--at this point in my life, I am so completely humbled by the concept of being able to have "relatively normal" legs, that I believe it is the right time to ask for help. Thank-you for your time & consideration everyone. I am sincerely grateful to live in such a time that not only offers medical technology that could be a solution for the inconvenience that I live with, but also in a time where it is actually possible to reach out to others around the world to share my story. At minimum, thanks for listening! 

Best,
Sara Beth