For the LOVE of Sophie
Donation protected
Sophie Renee Morissette made a dramatic entry into the world via emergency C-section on August 21, 2007, six weeks early. The family was immediately told their newborn girl would have many challenges due to multiple strokes in the womb, damaging her brain. The strokes were caused by a heart condition called Wolf Parkinson White, an extra electrical path that accelerates heart beating. Essentially, Sophie’s heart got stuck in fast speed.
Shortly after her birth, a further diagnosis, Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, which significantly impacts her gross and fine motor skills in both arms and legs. Sophie is non-verbal and her eyesight is limited as she has cortical visual impairment. Fortunately, she has some range of motion in her arms, but not her hands. This limits her mobility, and she must depend on others to support her mobility. She is able to stand with the use of a stander and relies heavily on her wheelchair for transportation.
Sophie is a child with complex needs. Over the course of 11 short years, she has endured multiple surgeries for spinal fusion, scoliosis, botox, G-Tube and more. Her hips remain out of joint, back anterior and posterior, and she has depended on the G-Tube for nourishment since age 2. In addition to the surgeries she is supported by orthotics for her hands, feet, knees and spine. Her future holds more of the same.
In 2016 Sophie achieved a milestone, she was able to indicate ‘yes’ and ‘no’ by turning her head when asked a question. The family had always felt Sophie was very aware, but with this milestone in her communication, they remain hopeful it will open the door to other options, different devices, switches or computers.
As a family, Richard and Lisa, have focused on Sophie’s strengths, what she can do, not what she can’t. In spite of a life of extreme challenges, Sophie is a girl who embodies a joyful spirit and an extraordinary heart. Sophie brings a smile to everyone who is fortunate enough to meet her. She lives in Woodstock, NB with her two siblings; Carley age 21 and Danielle age 7.
Sophie attends school at Townsview where she is in grade 6. She has an incredible group of friends, a social community and a school that supports her learning abilities.
The family is strong, but the financial burden is heavy. From equipment and surgeries to medicine and respite, the bills are never-ending. “Team Sophie” is asking for assistance so the family can add to her bedroom and acquire a piece of equipment that will mobilize her, and help her in and out of bed and the bath.
LOVE is at the core of the family’s actions and yours.
Your support is greatly appreciated. God Bless
The Morissette Family
Shortly after her birth, a further diagnosis, Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy, which significantly impacts her gross and fine motor skills in both arms and legs. Sophie is non-verbal and her eyesight is limited as she has cortical visual impairment. Fortunately, she has some range of motion in her arms, but not her hands. This limits her mobility, and she must depend on others to support her mobility. She is able to stand with the use of a stander and relies heavily on her wheelchair for transportation.
Sophie is a child with complex needs. Over the course of 11 short years, she has endured multiple surgeries for spinal fusion, scoliosis, botox, G-Tube and more. Her hips remain out of joint, back anterior and posterior, and she has depended on the G-Tube for nourishment since age 2. In addition to the surgeries she is supported by orthotics for her hands, feet, knees and spine. Her future holds more of the same.
In 2016 Sophie achieved a milestone, she was able to indicate ‘yes’ and ‘no’ by turning her head when asked a question. The family had always felt Sophie was very aware, but with this milestone in her communication, they remain hopeful it will open the door to other options, different devices, switches or computers.
As a family, Richard and Lisa, have focused on Sophie’s strengths, what she can do, not what she can’t. In spite of a life of extreme challenges, Sophie is a girl who embodies a joyful spirit and an extraordinary heart. Sophie brings a smile to everyone who is fortunate enough to meet her. She lives in Woodstock, NB with her two siblings; Carley age 21 and Danielle age 7.
Sophie attends school at Townsview where she is in grade 6. She has an incredible group of friends, a social community and a school that supports her learning abilities.
The family is strong, but the financial burden is heavy. From equipment and surgeries to medicine and respite, the bills are never-ending. “Team Sophie” is asking for assistance so the family can add to her bedroom and acquire a piece of equipment that will mobilize her, and help her in and out of bed and the bath.
LOVE is at the core of the family’s actions and yours.
Your support is greatly appreciated. God Bless
The Morissette Family
Organizer
Lisa Morissette
Organizer
Woodstock, NB
