Brenna

Brenna is joyful, smart and tenacious.  She loves books, animals, swimming and her loving extended family.  She was born at 29 weeks and spent a relatively uneventful 87 days in the NICU.  She spent her first day on a vetilator, but was soon weaned to very little oxygen, until she was breathing entirely on her own a few weeks before discharge.  Brenna's brain scan at 10 days old showed no bleeding, although we knew to be prepared for developmental issues due to her prematurity.  Her stay in the NICU was lengthened by her inability to learn to eat and reflux.  Brenna received OT directly after her arrival home, PT was added at 6 months and speech therapy at one year.  She received a CP diagnosis at 2 years old.

Brenna's response to Conductive Education has been nothing short of amazing.  The second day of camp, we noticed a marked increase in confidence.  By raising the bar for the CE students, the conductors give them permission to try and to succeed.  Within her first month of camp, Brenna learned how to use her walker, and now uses it regularly at school, home and even out in public.  The CE conductors are always thinking of ways to motivate her and make this experience fun, giving her the skills to be more independent.  Brenna has a true sense of accomplishment for herself and sense of solidarity within the group--even cheering on her friends during class.  CE is a wonderful gift we feel very lucky to have discovered. 

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