Michael suffered oxygen deprivation during emergency open-heart surgery, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. As of March, 2014, Michael continues to make progress. Over the past two years, Michael’s balance and coordination have improved greatly. Since being able to purchase the gait harness system through donations, Michael uses his leg muscles and places his feet more accurately. He has been transitioning from using the gait harness system to walking with just the harness and weights. As the months have passed, Michael, although still inconsistent, is able to walk short distances with minimal hands on assistance or independently with close supervision.
Michael's Moments
VISION
Michael is seen regularly by a neuro-opthomologist who reports that his vision continues to improve. Michael’s greatest improvement is with his depth perception. In recent months, his ability to track with his eyes has increased, mostly with following an object or his hand. One of his main goals is to obtain direct focus on a specific object.
COORDINATION
Tracing, cutting, using a keyboard and an ipad have all attributed to developing Michael’s fine motor skills and coordination. These tasks should decrease his finger tremors and enable him to perform everyday tasks with greater ease. (i.e. brushing teeth, shaving, cutting/holding food and writing).
THANK YOU
We know this is not going to be a fast process at this point, but each and every little step of improvement, is one giant step closer to Michael’s independence.
For more information on Michael, click here to read My Story. Please be patient as we continually update this page… Thank You!