Cerebral Palsy Info

Cerebral Palsy Info

A note from Noah's Mom: Sometimes people are afraid to ask questions about cerebral palsy because they think they might look dumb! But the only dumb questions are the ones not asked! We (Noah's family) would much rather you ask, then wonder or assume. On this page, I am hoping to provide a little educational information about cerebral palsy. I am attempting to put the info I know, into laymen's terms. Please note, I am not a doctor or nurse, simply a mother wanting to educate others about her son's condition. For more information on cerebral palsy, please see the "CP Links" section at the bottom of this page.

What is Cerebral Palsy?
(I will refer to Cerebral Palsy as CP from now on.)
CP is a condition caused by injury to the brain resulting in loss of oxygen right before, during, or after birth. More and more often, CP is being linked to negligence on the medical professional's part. It can often be very common in premature babies as well.

What are the effects of CP?
CP effects each person differently. It can effect their speech, motor control, ability to walk, and the ability to do everyday things - even eating! It can effect their whole body or it can effect just certain aspects of their functioning.

How many children have CP?
According to UCP, about 8,000 babies/children are diagnosed with CP each year.

Does the condition get worse over time?
No! CP is considered a "static" condition - meaning it does not get worse. With therapy and hard work, people with CP can overcome their obstacles.

CP and Noah

Since each child with CP is different, I thought I would take a moment and walk you through how CP has affected Noah.

Eager to see the world, Noah arrived 6 weeks early weighing 4 lbs and 12 oz. After I was given the epidural, he lost oxygen which resulted in CP. We did not know he had CP at the time.

Noah was a happy baby, but we did begin to notice that he was not on target with some of his milestones. At about 8 months old, a CT scan was done and it was determined that Noah did have CP.

Noah had surgery at Shriner's Children's Hospital in November of 2002 to lengthen his heel cords and to put steel plates in his hips. It was a long process - he was in a cast from the waist down for a month and then in "boot" casts from the knees down for another month. The surgery has helped some and Noah is able to walk in his walker! Noah's speech is delayed by CP - although he comprehends and understands so much! He is now communicating with sign language.

Noah goes to a very good local school for children with special needs. He is in a class room setting, but receives occupational, physical, and speech therapy and learns life skills at school as well. He is doing well in school and enjoys school - especially riding on the school bus!

Noah continues to amaze us with his zest and love of life. Noah is a very happy and loving boy who enjoys making others smile and laugh by doing silly little things. He is a curious learner and a bit of dare devil at times - especially when it comes to roller coasters.

People have asked me if I wonder what Noah's life would be like if he did not have CP, but that is hard for me to imagine. Noah is who he is - CP and all. I believe that God chooses special people to raise his special children and I am thankful that he thought me and my family were special enough to raise Noah.

"CP Links"

For more information on cerebral palsy, please visit the links below.

Famous People with CP

Stephen Hopkins - Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Geri Jewell - Comedian/Actress, was on the sitcom The Facts of Life
Chris Fonseca - Comedian, Has written material for Jerry Seinfeld, Roseanne Arnold, and Jay Leno
Christy Brown - Irish Poet/Writer
Comedian Josh Blue who was the winner Last Comic Standing in 2006!

For more information about the silver ribbon campaign,
please click on the ribbon.

Resources used on this page:
United Cerebral Palsy Org.