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It's been more than eight months since we've updated Brett's website and we're excited to report that during this time Brett has continued to make incredible progress in many different areas.
This fall Brett returned to Cherry Run Elementary for another year of preschool. We were thrilled to learn that he would have the same teacher again this year (Miss Denise is wonderful) and most of the same therapists. Having consistent therapists work with Brett is a big advantage and allows them to pick up where they left off with him last year. In school, he receives physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, hearing and vision therapy throughout the week at various times. There is a careful balance between amount of therapy he receives and the time he spends in the classroom with the other children. We want to make sure that Brett not only receives the therapies he needs, but is also given the opportunity to experience other classroom activities, such as circle time where the children are given musical instruments to play and are led by Miss Denise.
He currently attends school three days per week, but we're planning to increase that to four days per week after the first of the year. While he seems to enjoy the various activities during the school day, we still think his favorite part of the day is riding the bus to and from school!
Brett has also started private physical therapy sessions once per week at home. Jennifer, his therapist, has quickly learned both Brett's strengths and areas for improvement -- and she has a great rapport with him. She typically works with him for about an hour each week and currently has him learning to use his leg muscles. With the support of an exercise ball (similar to the ones used in Pilates) in front of him and Jennifer supporting him from behind, he can now push himself into an upright position. Seeing him in an upright position is amazing! We cheer for him and celebrate each time he does this - he absolutely loves the praise. We are so thankful to have found Jennifer!
Another big accomplishment for Brett has been is ability to vocalize more regularly. In our last update, we mentioned that he was starting to wear a special valve called a Passy Muir Valve, which helps to force air up over his vocal cords and allow him to make sounds more easily. He's now wearing the valve from first thing in the morning until he goes to bed at night. By wearing the valve all day, he's able to vocalize more frequently. Our biggest surprise happened earlier this fall when Brett actually sang a song!! While he didn't actually sing the words, he did vocalize the tune perfectly! Since then, he's demonstrated his ability to vocalize several other songs, including "It's A Small World", "I'm A Little Teapot" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". We're hoping to capture this on tape and post it on the website for everyone to hear. However, like most children his age, he refuses to "perform" when the camera is rolling!
Each time we sit down to write these updates, it reminds us how truly blessed we are to have Brett in our lives. In addition to that, it also reminds us that all of his accomplishments have involved the effort of many people who have become so dear to us. While we typically close each update with the same type of "thank you" - we can't help but once again express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for showing us such compassion and support. We especially love the encouraging words that you leave for us in the "Guestbook" section of this website. You can't even imagine how much it means to us to know that people are taking the time to visit Brett's website! So, whether you're family, friends, next door neighbors, co-workers, or friends of friends please take a minute to sign the guestbook and let us know you've visited the website!
Click on the link to view previous "Latest News" updates.
Spring 2002 News
Fall 2002 News
Spring 2003 News