Markell

I was born December 1, 1995, on my due date. I tried to get here for three days, but the doctors kept telling my Mom that I wasn't ready!! I weighed 10 lbs., 9 oz. I was big, which was one of the reasons I was having trouble getting here. I suffered a lot of birth trauma and stayed in the NICU for 18 days. I made it home right before Christmas.

I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 5 months old. My Mom was concerned because I wasn't hitting my milestones on time. My doctor told her not to worry, but my Mom was very bothered by this and pursued another opinion. It was then that my parents were told I had cerebral palsy. They said I would never really do anything due to the brain damage I received. Luckily, my parents did not accept that! They began to learn everything they could about cerebral palsy and ways to help me live an exciting and fulfilling life.

When I was 8 months old, I started going to therapy. Over the years I suffered a few very bad seizures, which had set me back a little. I am now on medication that has helped to control them. In 1999 I had a very bad, life-threatening seizure and took a break from therapy for one year.

During the year off we happened to meet another CECMD student named Allison and her Mom. Through talking with her and reading articles about conductive education, my Mom investigated the possibility of me attending the CECMD. We had seen how well the program was working for the other children and wanted to be a part of such a program.

In 2000, I started in conductive education. I really didn't like it at first because it was different from the other therapy I went to before. Then I realized I was making more progress than before while not having to work as hard as I had in physical therapy. I was learning to control my body myself, not relying on appliances to do it for me.

I was also able to do conductive education for therapy and schooling too (conductive education puts therapy and learning together). I have accomplished more in the couple of years at CECMD than I ever thought I could!

This year was extra special for me. I was granted a wish trip by The Rainbow Connection, which was sponsored by a local Harley-Davidson club. My trip was to Disney World!!

I spent a week going to all the Disney Parks, Universal Studios, and Sea World….what an adventure!! My favorite part was meeting my favorite: Winnie the Pooh!!  My Mommy and Daddy cried a lot on the trip because they were so happy to see me so happy.

I love to play outside (when it's not too cold here in Michigan!).  I love to watch Bear in the Big Blue House, Rolie Polie Olie, The Wiggles, PB & J Otter, Wheel of Fortune and NASCAR racing (with my Daddy).

I love to sing and I love all kinds of music, especially country. I love shopping and playing with my dolls (what else would little girls love to do??).

I hope you enjoyed your visit to our website.  I have enjoyed telling you a little bit about myself.   If you know of another child like me that could benefit from such a program, please share our website with them.

Thank You!!

Markell