April 09, 2009

Baby Steps to Miracles

Tragedy strikes when we least expect it. When life offers up lemons, what do you do? When I heard about Eileen de Oliveira's story, I just had to share it. I hope it inspires you and gives you hope, as it did me.

Just weeks after giving birth to two boys and a girl, Eileen de Oliveira's infant daughter died and one of the boys, Lucas, had cerebral palsy. Doctors said it was unlikely Lucas would crawl, let alone walk, before the age of three. To make matters worse, insurance was only willing to cover three 30 minute sessions a week. She was not about to accept the doctor’s prognosis and instinctively knew the insurance-approved therapy would be inadequate. As an entrepreneur with an unbeatable passion for her kids, Eileen took matters into her own hands.

Eileen learned about Intensive Pediatric Therapy, using state-of-the-art therapy techniques such as TheraSuit Method™ along with more traditional therapy methods in order to achieve rapid strides in physical strength and coordination. At the core, they are compressing 7 ½ months of traditional therapy into 3 “intensive” weeks. Not only did this have a profound effect on Lucas, but Eileen saw the potential to expand the reach to children nationwide.

This sparked the birth of two organizations:

Therapies 4 Kids harnesses the Intensive Suit Therapy featuring the TheraSuit Method™ and Intensive Pediatric Therapy in therapeutic centers in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL, Parsippany, NJ, Irvine, CA and Madison, WI.  Additional facilities will soon open on Long Island, NY and Tampa, FL.

Bright Steps Forward is a 501c non-profit organization, based in Lauderdale by the Sea, FL., with a nationwide network of cooperating facilities. It provides intensive pediatric therapy to the children of parents who receive a grant for treatment based on financial need.

Children with cerebral palsy, developmental delays, autism and traumatic birth injuries, among other tragedies, make progress every day because Eileen was determined to find a way to help her own son.

If you need help, visit these sites. Share them with friends. Get the support you need. May you be inspired by Eileen and Lucas' fighting spirits and encouraged to live the life of your dreams with lemonade in hand!