My first introduction to Lucy was at the age of thirteen. She clearly has a disability but walks confidently, smiles easily, and responds shyly when you interact with her. Her devoted grandmother is always with her, and they both seem happy and vibrant. But I soon learned that their joy has been borne from a long and difficult journey for both Grandma and Lucy.
From birth, Lucy's paternal Grandmother has taken care of her. While pregnant, her mother began drinking and smoking as a response to marital stress. When Lucy was born with Cerebral Palsy, the doctors recommended that she and her husband abandon their child. But Grandma was unwilling to give Lucy up.
So with her small income of $90 per month, this determined retiree tackled the daily care of her grandchild. In addition, she was responsible for almost $300 per month in medical bills for her precious bundle.
After a short time, Grandma became concerned at her lack of support. Her son and daughter-in-law were unwilling to help. Her friends and neighbors were also not supportive. They felt she had brought this burden upon herself. Feeling as if she had run out of options, Grandma eventually considered legal action to sue for compensation. But when faced with the awful prospect of legal action agains her own flesh and blood, she backed down. To this day, she continues to receive no financial support from Lucy's own biological parents.
When Lucy was five years old, Grandma learned about our Family Partners Program (FPP) through a friend. Up until this time, she and Lucy spent most of their time confined to her sixth floor apartment (with no elevators!). "Therapy" was limited to whatever Grandma could concoct. Ropes helped with stretching and PVC pipes made for walking aids. Eventually, through Grandma's perseverance and tenacity Lucy could lean and even stand. But since Lucy was unable to move her feet this remarkable 60+ year old woman would kneel on the floor and move her granddaughter's feet to help her progress. Lucy was finally able to walk at four years old!
In order to attend courses at FPP, Grandma has to carry Lucy to the bus and travel forty minutes one way. She hopes that through our program Lucy will have better educational opportunities and achieve greater independence. The treatment she receives has greatly reduced Grandma's burden. Lucy's emotional health is improving and her capabilities are expanding. And she is living a much fuller life as a result.
Grandma has also found help and support through the program. She has found kindness. She has found friendship. She has found a community that feels like a family.
It is quite a privilege for Gracy and I to get to work with families like this!
