Our Next Effort

This month Maddy started another round of Constraint Induced Movement Therapy. Two weeks ago, we put Maddy’s left arm in a cast and she’s been wearing it during all her waking hours. The first few days were pretty frustrating for Maddy and it’s really hard to watch her struggle. However, we know from our experience last year that CIMT can have amazing results. Wearing the cast literally forces her brain to form new connections with her right hand. Last June, after one week in the cast, getting two hours of therapy per week, Maddy was able to crawl for the first time. This time we've been focusing on helping Maddy get more use of her fingers.

The CIMT we’re doing this month is our way of gearing up for a very exciting opportunity that we’re going to have in January. Maddy is going to attend an intensive four week CIMT program at the ACQUIRE Clinic at the University of Alabama Birmingham. This program is world renowned for it's successes with children, and is the only one of it's kind in this country. During this program, which focuses on arm and hand function, a therapist will work with Maddy six hours a day, six days a week. We’re very excited for this opportunity because the ACQUIRE Clinic has had amazing results with kids just like Maddy. Take a look at this amazing video if you have 10 minutes to spare.

Unfortunately, Maddy’s time at the ACQUIRE Clinic is not covered by insurance and the hundred plus hours of therapy cost $15,000. If you are considering making any charitable contributions this year, we’d like to ask you to consider sponsoring Maddy’s treatment at the ACQUIRE Clinic. Every contribution that’s donated in Maddy’s name will reduce her “tuition” dollar for dollar. If you’re interested in donating, please email me and I’ll tell you how to do it so the money is properly credited to Maddy’s treatment.

As always, well-wishes and prayers are also greatly appreciated. Bob and I are so grateful for the progress Maddy has made since her stroke was diagnosed two years ago. And we know that a big part of the reason Maddy is doing so well is because of the amazing network of friends and family she has supporting her. Thank you!