The Story
Christian began having grand mal seizures, drop seizures and breath holding spells on a daily basis. It was a challenge to get these seizures under control, as well as obtaining a true diagnosis.
Christian was also diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsy due to his disordered muscle tone and contractures. He endured another significant episode of epilepticus and was hospitalized in November 2013. He spent Thanksgiving in the hospital and wasn't released until Christmas. After that, he was assessed by a new neurologist, who diagnosed him with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). LGS is a severe form of epilepsy that typically becomes apparent during infancy or early childhood and is most often diagnosed between 3-5 years of age although it took longer to determine that this was another syndrome Christian had. Since then Christian has been on a regimen of six medications and daily supplements which have minimized his seizures. He is essentially nonverbal, but can vocalize some sounds and words including Momma, Dadda, PopPop, Nana and Papa. He also uses sign language with a few consistent signs that he uses to communicate basic want and needs. He requires full assistance when walking and wears AFO braces to help support his feet and legs. He can take a few steps on his own when he's highly motivated. If he does walk, he tires very easily and can only walk short distances. His home is currently not wheelchair accessible. When he needs help with mobility, his family carries him from room to room. He uses a wheelchair for mobility outside of the home. Christian is such a laid back kid and just goes with the flow. He can be quite the jokester. He loves to be silly and get a reaction out of you. He enjoys looking at pictures of family members and friends. He has a special memory book of photos that he looks through every day. He also loves going on family vacations to the beach and Disney World. He enjoys watching his favorite shows when he's relaxing. Christian's favorite place to unwind and be free is his bedroom. That is why Sunshine on a Ranney Day is thrilled to be able to give him a dream room makeover and renovate his bathroom to be accessible. This project will soon be under way and we hope that you will get a kick out of seeing the finished product. This will be a labor of love and we invite you to join us in support of this venture.
