Cerebral Palsy TREATMENT
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Greetings--my name is Sara Beth & I am a former patient of Shriners Children's Hospital (1990-2005) --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
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
Organizer
Sara E'beth Vaughn
Organizer
Evansville, IN
