Nathan Baker and Coach Mike Miragliuolo
Nathan Baker was a participant in a study conducted by Dr. Deborah Thorpe at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded by the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation. Dr. Thorpe’s study compared the efficacy of treadmill training versus aquatic therapy in improving quality of life and motor function in children with cerebral palsy aged 12-19 years of age.
From Nathan’s Mom…
We are so thankful for the research funds that the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation contributed to Dr. Deborah Thorpe of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy. Nathan’s physical therapist, Cathy Howes (also UNC Hospitals), recommended us for the study. We soon discovered that Nathan would be in the treadmill portion of Dr. Thorpe’s study and this meant that he would be on the treadmill for 3 times a week for 40 minutes at each session. Nathan decided to combine this study participation with physical fitness work he needed to do for his Boy Scout Personal Fitness merit badge.
Dr. Thorpe, Nathan, and I were amazed at Nathan’s progress on the treadmill as he participated in this study. He increased his speed to 4 mph and higher and was able to sustain this pace for the two 20 minute sessions. As Nathan’s participation in this study was coming to completion, Dr. Thorpe began to educate us on how important it is for individuals with CP to exercise throughout their lives so they can ward off loss of function as they age. She also inspired Nathan to inquire about Cross Country or Track opportunities at his school.
Nathan inquired about Track at his middle school and was not enthusiastically received. We found some coaches are unwilling or fearful to include those with disabilities in physical endeavors. Other coaches will embrace the idea and know the benefit it can bring to all members of the team as they learn lessons of perseverance and “heart” from those with disabilities.
my grandson was born at 26 weeks and had a grade 4 bleed causing rt hemaparasis we have fought many battles for him he has rt sides weakness of leg and hand received PT OT at our local children’s rehab at $40 copay every week which is a finacal burden since we have insuranse and can’t get any outside help we go with out food to take care of him but he is worth every hungry moment and he never goes hungry.It looks like you have success stories and its nice to see you
always hear the bad never good Jaccob wasnt dx till he was 4 1/2 yr old which was a major shock your agency seems to care and that feels my heart and to know someday with our help and all the therapy we do at home he someday play a sport when they advised us to put in group home or institution when he was born so proud and admire the job you do
My son is now 7 years old. We live in rural Kansas and are 2 hours to all the resources I can find on getting help for my son. We travel to Kansas City 2 1/2 hours to go to Children’s Hospital. I am trying to come up with new resources as well as latest ideas of therapy as most of help he gets is from myself since we live in such a rural area. IF ANYONE READS THIS AND HAS ANY IDEAS ON WEBSITES OR OTHER RESOURCES THAT I CAN UTILIZE TO COME UP WITH THERAPIES PLEASE EMAIL ME AT worldiver@gmail.com My son and I would be forever indebted to you. We moved 30 miles to another small town that has a physical therapist who comes twice a week to the school so he is getting some help that way. This therapist will not accept health insurance so we have to pay out of pocket for any additional help. I wish I could find someone who takes health insurance. I have also taken him to Kansas City for multiple BOTOX injections and have casted his foot which both seemed to help somewhat. I am looking for therapies for right hand and foot as well as saliva (swallowing). My son suffered an infarction which affected 1/2 of the left side of his brain. I could not be more proud of the progress he has made. I was told at his diagnoses that he may never crawl, walk or talk. By the grace of god and Thomas’ persistence he is getting good grades in 2nd grade and can throw and kick the football unbelievably far. IF ANYOINE HAS IDEAS ON THERAPIES FOR RIGHT HAND AND ARM PLEASE SEND ME WHATEVER YOU CAN THINK OF. PLEASE.
God Bless,
Shawn Cantrell
Father of Thomas Cantrell
email worldiver@gmail.com
933 Madison Street
Fredonia, KS 66736
620-625-3030