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After 4 years of trying to begin our family we were finally blessed with the miracle of being pregnant with our daughter Malaina through in vitro fertilization.
Malaina was expected to enter this world on May 11, 2013. To our surprise, she was born 7 weeks early on March 22, 2013. This was the day that Malaina’s journey began. Being born pre-mature Malaina spent the first 3 weeks of her life in the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU). During this time she experienced difficulties and had many frightening moments.
Malaina was not expected to leave the hospital for 6-8 weeks, but with the strength and determination that she had since the day she was born, she was able to depart the hospital within 3 weeks.
When Malaina was 3 months old we noticed that she had a lazy eye. After seeing several doctors and eye specialists, we were told that it was a just a lazy eye and she required glasses. Only to find out later, that there were bigger reasons for her eyes being crossed.
As Malaina got a little bit older we began to worry about why she hadn’t been walking or crawling. We brought her to several doctors’ appointments but were continuously told not to be concerned and we should wait until she turns 2. At that point we were to return if we still had concerns. When Malaina turned 2, she was still not crawling or walking independently. We noticed that when Malaina was walking with assistance she appeared to be dragging her left foot. At this time we took her to see a specialist. After assessing and examining Malaina, the specialist pre-diagnosed Malaina with a mild form of spastic diplegia a form of cerebral palsy. The specialist referred us to have an MRI done in order to confirm their findings.
The wait period for the MRI was a few months. In this time we took Malaina to her pediatrician. We were told that Malaina would need physiotherapy and chiropractic care, as well as assistive devices to help her walk. When we took her to get fitted for her braces, we were informed that she likely wouldn’t be walking on her own until she received her braces. But our determined little girl went home that day and decided to walk all by herself. And within a few days she was running and kicking a soccer ball. Malaina currently visits the chiropractor and physiotherapist twice a week and will be undergoing water therapy. She is now wearing leg braces on both of her legs.
Despite all of the obstacles that she has faced in these past 2 ½ years of her life, Malaina has overcome so much. Ever since the day she was born she has shown us just how strong and determined she is. Malaina continues to surprise and amaze us each and every day and has made everyone around her so very proud. Malaina has taught us so much, how to strive to do your best and never give up. She is and will always be our hero.
On September 20, 2015 between 10-5 a fundraising family fun day will be held "SUPPORT CEREBRAL PALSY - MALAINA'S AWARENESS MISSION" in order to create awareness on Cerebral Palsy and to assist the family with the upcoming financial commitments. Also a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the OFCP - Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy.
Malaina was expected to enter this world on May 11, 2013. To our surprise, she was born 7 weeks early on March 22, 2013. This was the day that Malaina’s journey began. Being born pre-mature Malaina spent the first 3 weeks of her life in the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU). During this time she experienced difficulties and had many frightening moments.
Malaina was not expected to leave the hospital for 6-8 weeks, but with the strength and determination that she had since the day she was born, she was able to depart the hospital within 3 weeks.
When Malaina was 3 months old we noticed that she had a lazy eye. After seeing several doctors and eye specialists, we were told that it was a just a lazy eye and she required glasses. Only to find out later, that there were bigger reasons for her eyes being crossed.
As Malaina got a little bit older we began to worry about why she hadn’t been walking or crawling. We brought her to several doctors’ appointments but were continuously told not to be concerned and we should wait until she turns 2. At that point we were to return if we still had concerns. When Malaina turned 2, she was still not crawling or walking independently. We noticed that when Malaina was walking with assistance she appeared to be dragging her left foot. At this time we took her to see a specialist. After assessing and examining Malaina, the specialist pre-diagnosed Malaina with a mild form of spastic diplegia a form of cerebral palsy. The specialist referred us to have an MRI done in order to confirm their findings.
The wait period for the MRI was a few months. In this time we took Malaina to her pediatrician. We were told that Malaina would need physiotherapy and chiropractic care, as well as assistive devices to help her walk. When we took her to get fitted for her braces, we were informed that she likely wouldn’t be walking on her own until she received her braces. But our determined little girl went home that day and decided to walk all by herself. And within a few days she was running and kicking a soccer ball. Malaina currently visits the chiropractor and physiotherapist twice a week and will be undergoing water therapy. She is now wearing leg braces on both of her legs.
Despite all of the obstacles that she has faced in these past 2 ½ years of her life, Malaina has overcome so much. Ever since the day she was born she has shown us just how strong and determined she is. Malaina continues to surprise and amaze us each and every day and has made everyone around her so very proud. Malaina has taught us so much, how to strive to do your best and never give up. She is and will always be our hero.
On September 20, 2015 between 10-5 a fundraising family fun day will be held "SUPPORT CEREBRAL PALSY - MALAINA'S AWARENESS MISSION" in order to create awareness on Cerebral Palsy and to assist the family with the upcoming financial commitments. Also a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the OFCP - Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy.