It’s hard for me to get in most people’s heads that my body is the way it is but when I go to CSH, it feels like they have quite more of an understanding, so it is more comfortable for me.”
10 years ago, Victoria began her journey with Children’s Specialized Hospital. Victoria has Cerebral Palsy, a neuromuscular disorder caused by damage to the brain around the time of birth or early life. Although Victoria notes that her journey hasn’t always been the easiest, she is proud of the progress she has made with CSH by her side. The intensive therapy program has helped Victoria progress immensely. “I feel a lot stronger and more energized when I do the intensive program,” noted Victoria. Overall, CSH has helped Victoria grow stronger and learn to accept herself.
“It’s hard for me to get in most people’s heads that my body is the way it is but when I go to CSH, it feels like they have quite more of an understanding, so it is more comfortable for me,” Victoria remarked.
“Victoria was my first patient ever at CSH. I have had the pleasure of watching her grow up and develop into the hard working, strong and dedicated individual that she is today. Victoria is determined to meet her goals and is a great advocate for herself. She has been a pleasure to work with,” shared one of Victoria’s physical therapist, Heather Dughi.
Victoria has been through the intensive therapy program three times since its creation at CSH. “Children’s Specialized feels like home for Victoria,” explained her mother, Roseny. Victoria has worked with many therapists at CSH over the years and has had great experiences with everyone. She credits the CSH intensive therapy program and therapists for giving her a little bit more independence. Although the program requires a lot of hard work, she notes that it is absolutely worth the incredible progress they’ve witnessed. Victoria’s occupational therapist, Stephanie Dorgan, explained that, “Victoria is the hardest worker I know! Every time she attends an intensive, no matter how tired she may be, she ALWAYS puts in 100% effort and has the motivation, drive, and resilience to try her best. She comes in with goals that are functional and will give her more independence.” Victoria does not shy away from the hard work. She is determined to keep growing and the intensive therapy program has been a large part of her journey.
“I want to live, I want to survive, I want to have a good life. Yes, it might be hard, and yes, it’s a process but I want people to know that I am not going to stop,” Victoria stated.
The Pediatric Intensive Physical and Occupational Therapy Program at Children’s Specialized Hospital is for children from birth to 21 years of age who are quickly moving toward their goals. The program provides therapy two hours a day, four days a week for four weeks. Intensive Therapy is designed to be frequent and for a limited length of time with emphasis on targeted skills and functions to help your child reach their goals. Each session consists of one hour of physical therapy and one hour of occupational therapy.
After her third time completing the Intensive Therapy Program, Victoria and her mom recommend staying consistent and not giving up! “Continuing to work hard after the intensive program will help make your child stronger,” explained Roseny, who noted that they saw the most progress when Victoria continued to work her body after the second time completing the program. This set her up for success and allowed her to reach even more goals during her third time through the program.
Learn more about the intensive therapy program at Children's Specialized Hospital.