Update on Gracyn Rhodes

“To overcome difficulties is to experience the full delight of existence.”
~Arthur Schopenhauer

Back in August of 2009, I wrote an article about a little girl named Gracyn Rhodes. As described, she was a miracle child right from the beginning. Born in 2005, she was only 2 lbs., 6 oz. and no bigger than her father's hand.

Soon though, Gracyn was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. It was in September of 2009, at the age of four the possibility of corrective surgery to give Gracyn a chance at a more normal life. In an article I wrote that month, it spoke of the money ($40,000) being raised to help pay for that surgery.

Well here we are three years later and I am happy to say that Gracyn is doing pretty darn well. Her mother Brandi sent me an email and in it she reports that Gracyn is now seven years old and full of sass and spunk! She doesn't let anything slow her down or keep her from trying new things.

This past spring, she danced and sang as a Munchkin in the Walnut Grove High School play, Wizard of Oz. She has been swimming this summer and recently learned to dive. Additionally, Gracyn is excited about cheering at her school, West Walton this fall.

Gracyn's surgery three years ago released much of her spasticity, making it possible for her to do all of those things noted above. During a recent doctor's visit with her orthopedic surgeon, he said she looks great and there is no immediate need for any further surgeries. That is great news.

The doctor reported that Gracyn is high functioning, strong, and has good balance, tone, and range. That in itself is a huge milestone for Gracyn and as Brandi indicated, "It was such a blessing to walk out of there with good news instead of a list of things we need to do."

Gracyn still struggles with the habit of toe walking, but she is fully capable of walking with her heels down. Both the doctor and her therapist agree that she will be motivated to break the habit as she matures over the next few years.

I tell you folks, these are the things that inspire me and keep me motivated to keep writing. There are so many things that people overcome each and every day. If a young and vibrant seven-year old girl can overcome her own challenges, so can you.

Stay inspired my friends!

Here is a short video of Gracyn walking provided to me by her mother Brandi.



NOTE: I do recognize that it may seem a bit odd to have such an optimistic quote from such a pessimistic philosopher such as Arthur Schopenhauer.

And one last thing; check out Brandi Cakes by clicking on the link or going to www.cakesbybrandi.blogspot.com - you will be amazed.