She Said She Could Do It—and She Did. Meet Mila.
Caitlin had been working at Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) as a speech therapist for three years when she welcomed her first daughter, Mila. As a therapist, Caitlin spent many years helping children reach their developmental milestones, but nothing could prepare her for the moment she noticed delays in her own daughter. At just three months old, Mila began batting at her toys—but only with her right hand. She struggled with bottle feeding, and Caitlin’s instincts told her something was not right.
Determined to find answers, Caitlin turned to her CSH colleagues for guidance. Occupational Therapist, Janelle, encouraged her to bring Mila in for an evaluation. It was a difficult and emotional step, but one that would ultimately change the course of Mila’s life. Janelle reassured Caitlin that early intervention would give Mila the best possible chance at success, no matter the diagnosis.
“Without Children’s Specialized Hospital, I don’t believe Mila would have crawled,” Caitlin said. “With my therapy background, I know how crucial crawling is for later development and fine motor skills. CSH gave her that opportunity.”
Mila was eventually diagnosed with Hemiparesis, a form of Cerebral Palsy that causes weakness on one side of the body. While the news was difficult to hear, Caitlin found strength in knowing her daughter had access to the best care available. What she did not expect, however, was the severity of Mila’s brain damage. An MRI revealed more damage than Caitlin could have imagined, yet Mila was already defying expectations.
With the support of CSH’s dedicated therapists, Mila began working tirelessly to strengthen her left side. Therapy sessions focused on engaging both sides of her body, teaching her to roll, sit, crawl, and eventually walk. At home, Caitlin reinforced these lessons, using creative techniques like placing a sheet under Mila to assist her in crawling and encouraging her to stand on one leg while tossing a ball to build strength.
Mila attended outpatient therapy at CSH from four months old until she turned three. She now receives therapy through her school, returning to CSH for additional support during the summer. She continues to wear an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to help stabilize her left leg and a splint on her left hand at night to encourage mobility.
Mila has always been determined, but her motto—"I can do this"—became the driving force behind her incredible progress. With hard work and perseverance, she recently achieved two major milestones: putting her hair into a ponytail and riding a two-wheeled bike—things Caitlin once wondered if her daughter would ever do.
“Mila is known for her independence,” her therapists say. “She doesn’t give up. That will take her far.”
Today, at six years old, Mila is thriving. She loves sparkles, dressing up, doing hair and makeup, and playing soccer. She adores her friends, her little brother, and trips to the beach. Thanks to CSH, she has the confidence to take on any challenge.
Mila can do it. And with the help of Children’s Specialized Hospital, thousands of other children can, too. The future is bright for Mila and for every child who walks through CSH’s doors, ready to prove that they, too, are unstoppable.
Click here to learn more about the Children’s Specialized Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy.
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