Grant wants to be a firefighter...and a police officer...and a parent...and a teacher. Needless to say, this little boy has his work cut out for him when he grows up.
While Grant's aspirations are numerous, he has many obstacles to overcome in order to reach his goals. Grant has a rare form of cerebral palsy and mitochondrial disease, a genetic disorder that prohibits his cells from completely burning food and oxygen in order to generate energy.
Grant began speech, occupational and physical therapies at Heartspring in August 2004 when he was 14 months old. Early on, all of his therapists worked together as a team to enhance productivity during therapy sessions using a total communication approach (signing, talking, gestures, pictures). Grant has improved tremendously in the area of communication.
During physical therapy at Heartspring, Grant focuses on increasing his balance, coordination, strength and endurance, and is able to run and jump as well as ride a bicycle.
To look at Grant, you wouldn't think he suffered from a rare disease. He looks normal. "That's the hardest thing I hear," said Gina, Grant's mom. "I have to remind them (other kids) that just because he doesn't have a physical disability, there's still something wrong on the inside."
Gina and her husband, Jason, focus on the blessings in their lives. "I could sit around and cry and wonder why," Gina said. "Or I can pick up the pieces and make something good out of it." Ultimately, Gina is thankful for everyone who has helped Grant along the way, including Heartspring therapists. "You can tell that they really do care about him. They come by and pat you on the back and say, 'it's ok'," said Gina. "It's really personal with the therapists. They have given us support and love."
Within the last year, Jason was laid off from his job and in order to continue services at Heartspring, he and Gina applied for help through the Financial Assistance Program. "The Financial Assistance Program means a lot to my family. It means that Grant can come here for physical therapy and speech...something that he's been doing since he was a year old," said Gina. "When his dad got laid off, he would have not been able to come here and as a parent, that's devastating because therapies are very important for a child with his diagnosis. Even though we were struggling in a lot of other areas of how to get him to other doctor appointments, I at least knew and had the reassurance from Heartspring that he could still come here and get his physical therapy and speech therapy."
Gina and Jason are grateful to those who participate in Heartspring events like PedalFest. "Thank you so much because without your support and help, I don't know where my son would be right now. I can't imagine Grant losing eight or nine months worth of therapies — how many steps backwards he would take when we've been trying all of these years to move forward," said Gina.