Rambling about Ryder: Taking walking to the next level!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Taking walking to the next level!!

Ryder just keeps doing it. Seems almost everyday he's blowing me away with another trick he has hidden up his sleeve.

We weren't able to bring his walker on our trip because it's so big and doesn't fold down at all. Even if we were able to check it with the baggage, it would have taken up to much room with all our luggage in the car. Anyhow, Ryder's Aunty Karla was told about a lending cupboard on the coast for pediatric equipment. She made some calls and received a walker for Ryder to try out during our stay. It's nothing like his walker at home, it doesn't have any supports to hold him in place. Just a basic walker, very similar to one we tried out just two weeks ago with no luck what so ever. I don't know what changed between then and now but he is now doing AMAZING!!

Here he is after using it for just two days!!

We have been getting some awesome donations the past few days. I really can't thank you all enough. I will add everything up and give a grand total tonight. I know we are getting SO close, and it's all thanks to YOU!! :) xo

1 comment:

Megan B ♥November 16, 2011 at 6:00 AM
Absolutely incredible, Dana. I saw the pic on your profile and my jaw literally dropped. With JOY!!! Look at him racing that thing!!!
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add comment

Ryder's Story

Ryder and Wyatt are our identical twin boys that were born 12 weeks premature. They suffered from a "rare" disease called Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS affects 10-15% of identical multiples sharing a single placenta. Basically what happens is there are crossed vessels in the placenta forcing one baby to have way too much blood, nutrients & oxygen and the other not enough. Left untreated this heartbreaking disease has a astonishing mortality rate of 90%. Unfortunately I was not diagnosed until I had already gone into labor at 24 weeks gestation so not much could be done. Thankfully the doctors were able to stop my labor and we all made it to 28 weeks. The boys entered their nicu fight together but sadly on their 24 day of life we had to say our goodbyes to sweet Wyatt. Our hearts broke in a million pieces but somehow we picked up a few and continued our fight for Ryder. Ryder stayed in the nicu for 67 long days and was finally able to come home 2 weeks before their anticipated due date. It was a bittersweet day for many. We were told by every doctor that Ryder was just a "normal" baby and not to worry. I never felt right about this and knew there was something more to come. When he was 11 months old he was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. Our hearts broke once again and we were left to wonder what his future would hold. When we started this blog Ryder was 19 months old and still could not sit, crawl or walk unassisted. Since then he has made tremendous leaps but he still has a long way to go. He see's his physio therapist and occupational therapist twice a month and speech pathologist once a month. This is what our government will offer and we don't feel it's enough. He has so much determination and we know given the proper tools and therapy nothing will stop him. With your help we sent Ryder to Ability camp in January 2012 and there are many other treatments and alternative therapies we want to give him the opportunity to try. Thank you for supporting Ryder and following his journey!