The story of Anastasia who suffers from cerebral palsy

Anastasia is a four-year-old little girl from Athens who suffers from congenital cerebral palsy. Ever since she was just a baby, she was exhibiting signs of psychokinetic delay. Months went by, however the little girl was still unable to take her first steps or sit up. She was also showing signs of intellectual disability, therefore she was unable to speak and she couldn’t be properly fed. The more her musculoskeletal system developed, the more she suffered from excruciating pain due to muscle tightness and joint stiffness. Her pediatrician strongly recommended that she would begin an intensive program of physiotherapy and therapeutic swimming sessions. Anastasia's mother could no longer work, as the little girl required 24 hour care. Her father had to work double shifts in order to support his multi-child family and afford the cost of her treatments. However, due to the frequent hospitalization of Anastasia and the constant moving back-and-forth for her treatment sessions, the father couldn’t keep his job. The bills were piling up and the family could no longer afford Anastasia’s treatments or the purchase of the orthopedic devices she required. The family came to a dead end; therefore they decided to contact us in order to get some help. We immediately paid a visit to the family, estimated the situation and tried to give them courage. Due to the financial difficulties they were experiencing, they had to stay with relatives; therefore the living conditions were not ideal for a child with a disability. The family owned an apartment that was under construction; however, they never had the chance to complete it. We had to immediately intervene in order to make sure that this child would live in dignity, in a house specially designed for people with disabilities, where she could have a better quality of life. We initially made an assessment regarding the family’s needs and after communicating with the doctors who were treating this child, we designed a treatment plan that included physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and therapeutic swimming sessions. We immediately took all the necessary actions in order to launch the "Campaign to support Anastasia". Within just a few days, the little girl began her treatment sessions. After following intensive physiotherapy combined with therapeutic swimming sessions, the girl’s musculoskeletal system began to improve. The muscle tightness and joint stiffness were reduced, while the pain she experienced had begun to subside. At the same time, the construction and renovation of the apartment were completed. Within a few months, we managed to turn it into a beautiful space, equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances. We installed doors, windows and a heating system. We constructed rooms for the children, but also a room for Anastasia that was equipped with everything her condition she required. We also installed a bathroom that was specially designed for people with disabilities. We made sure the refrigerator and cabinets were filled with food supplies, while we ensured that the family acquired all the necessary equipment for their daughter’s care. At the same time, we provided holistic psychosocial support to the family and we stood by them every step of the way. Today, the little girl still receives all the necessary treatments, while her speech and motor skills have shown great improvement. She began taking baby steps with assistance, while she can now eat with less difficulty, laugh and express herself. Staying in a new, peaceful and beautiful environment, was also defining for the little girl’s psychological state, since the temper tantrums she had been manifesting, have now subsided. The professionals who treat her are very pleased with the way she responds to the treatments and we are more than happy for the constant improvement of her condition. Within just a few months, we have managed to change the life of a child who suffers from cerebral palsy. Together, we gave this child a chance to live with dignity. Anastasia's parents are doing much better now financially and they keep on supporting their child with all of their power. The greatest reward for us was the warm and happy faces of these children. Their smiles gave us the strength to carry on. To keep on performing acts of kindness in order to help children and families in need!