RYAN BOUDREAUX
Hi, my name is Jennica Boudreaux, I have a three year old son named Ryan, who just recently has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Here's my story. Shortly after Ryan was born on April 10, 2003, he stopped breathing for about seven minutes. After 24 hours, I was finally able to hold my baby.
Being naive and first time parents, my husband and thought everything would be fine with this beautiful baby boy. After five days in the hospital we were able to take Ryan home. Ryan cried for four months straight with many problems of pain, from lactose intolerance to acid reflux, none of which is significant to C.P. but nevertheless caused him pain, doctor visits, procedures, and for our young family, many bills. During these four months, Ryan did not smile or make eye contact with anyone, causing the concern of deafness, blindness, autism? We just weren't sure. After seeking medical attention, it was determined that he was not deaf nor blind, yet, he was eight months old and still not sitting up or doing things according to normal development for his age. We started seeking professional opinions, taking him to neurologist for a MRI, geneticist, and a developmental specialist. The only determination found was that he had low muscle tone in his mouth and high muscle tone in his legs and arms. This broad diagnosis allowed him to be put in therapy.
Ryan did not crawl until he was fifteen months, did not walk till he was three years old and still isn't talking. Ryan finally got diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at three and a half years old.
Ryan is a happy child, who loves to play outdoors and loves any type of sport. Unfortunately, he has trouble doing all these things because of his disability. "It is very hard to see my child wanting so badly to be able to do what other children his age are doing, and he can't." Because of the small rural community we live in, Ryan is limited to the amount and type of help he gets and deserves. I am writing this letter because I think that my son could benefit from this extensive therapy program, however, without financial banking, my husband and I cannot afford to send him. My husband is a hard working man and does provide for us, and although I do have a trait, I cannot work because I have to be able to give my son the quality care he needs. We would love to see him live his life as normal as possible and are asking for help. If you could donate by money or prayers, either one will be very appreciated.
Jennica Boudreaux