From NICU to Hospice to Kindergarten
Category: Client Story
July 3, 2019
Gerardo was born with multiple health conditions, including hydrocephalus, or fluid in his brain. His parents were sent home from the NICU with hospice, doctors saying, “There’s not much we can do.” Gerardo wasn’t expected to live more than a year, or ever use his arms or legs.
Gerardo and his family were connected to Any Baby Can. Our team sent in a case manager to evaluate his needs and create a care plan. Gerardo was enrolled in our Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services from 2013 to 2016. He received physical, speech and occupational therapy, as well as medical case management, all in the comfort of his home.
His parents gained assistance navigating doctor appointments and the healthcare system. Gerardo’s older sisters benefited from our backpack drive. We explained medical results and answered questions. Our team was with Gerardo and his family every week for three years.
With time, Gerardo learned to walk with a walker, and pick up critical adaptive skills. He defied all odds thanks to the services he received through ECI.
“When hospice left, that’s when Any Baby Can came into our lives with physical, occupational and speech therapies. Gerardo has overcome the odds with Any Baby Can,” says Mayra, Gerardo’s mom.
Gerardo and his mother, Mayra, have become strong advocates for ECI and Any Baby Can, even testifying for special needs funding during the 2017 legislative session.
Gerardo is now enrolled in elementary school full-time and can walk without the help of a walker! He’s a natural charmer and loves to dance, sing in English and Spanish, and play sports. He graduated from Kindergarten in June 2019 and is doing great in school.
Mayra says that when they talk about ECI, Gerardo remembers the team that worked with him. And it was hard work. The whole family made changes that in turn, made his success possible.
Gerardo is an amazing little boy. He’s one of our miracle stories, made possible by life-changing early intervention and family strengthening services provided by Any Baby Can.
Hear Gerardo’s mom retell their story after enrolling in ECI (June 2017)
Mayra tells how Any Baby Can helped when her son, Gerardo, was born with multiple illnesses and birth defects. Gerardo is a graduate from our ECI program.
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