Testimonials
Kieran‘s First Intensive Therapy Session
| Kieran is just wrapping up his first Intensive Therapy session this week. Since his Intensive start 3 weeks ago he has made noticeable improvements. However, the bigger aspect is, that since his start at NAPA in November, he has made huge strides, figuratively and literally. For a child that was not expected to do much more than an infant would, he has gained extremely good head control, been able to learn to control his arms and has started holding a spoon and getting food pretty darn close to his mouth! And, he has been able to take strides across the treadmill, and even across the room, with assistance. We are extremely excited about the addition of another therepy, Cuevas Medek, into the NAPA plethora of specialty therapies, as CME seems to concentrate on developing Kieran’s core strength, sitting and balance. He still has a difficult time with this now, but we are confident that NAPA will get him over that hurdle by the end of summer. All of the techniques, devices and expert therapists that NAPA has available at the center are such a benefit. Since starting here, we have discovered so many other therapies that NAPA offers, and been able to network with other parents of children with similar issues. We have high hopes for his progress over the next year! |
Christian Received a Helping Hand
| In this lifetime, there are few people who step up and lend a helping-hand to someone in need. In our case, the need was great, it was about an innocent, ill child who cannot provide for himself. He does not talk or walk. Our burden has been great in locating someone to help us in providing therapy necessary to help change his limitations. In the greater Yuma, San Luis, Arizona area, these services are very limited to non-existent. Cristian has been on the Department of Developmental Disabilities’ waiting list for over five years for any type of therapy service. Yet, we were determined, not ready to stop, to locate services for him. We knew he required something more than normal therapy services. At the age of nearly fifteen, he required intense therapy.
It brings tears to my eyes as I am writing this letter to think that an organization came to his rescue. The First Hand Organization made it possible for this impossible dream to come true. It stepped up to the plate and provided the funds necessary to make this intensive therapy possible. This organization whom we have never met made this possible. There is not enough thanks to express our gratitude and appreciation for what you did for our son. This therapy has brought him closer to walking, something that most of us take for granted. You made it possible for him to have this therapy at Napa Center, a place where there are not may of its kind in this country. Napa Center is a place of special people, from the staff to the therapists. These people are of the highest quality professionals I have ever met. They made Cristian and us feel very special and wanted. From day one, they developed a plan for Cristian and from there, day by day, carried out the plan. The plan, we learned, was to strengthen the right side of his body to make it possible for him to walk at some later date. The positive, joyful attitudes allowed for Cristian to feel less pain and sorrow in the tough road ahead. He accepted the challenge with vigor and energy. This team provided a home plan to continue after leaving them. This will allow us to continue a lot of the exercises that were provided for in therapy session. We want to give a special thanks to Lynette and Bryan LaScala, Rebecca Weiss, Raquel Triviño, Kristy Lambert, Jessica Hernandez, Geoff Cruise, and Vien Nguyen for what they provided for my son. This is an outstanding team of professionals. -Wilbur Watson
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Ava’s Story
| Ava is a bright and loving 8 year old girl born with a rare genetic disorder. When Ava was born, the doctors told us she would never walk, never talk, and that she would have severe mental retardation along with other medical complications. I was told to go on with my life and that I would be better off without her. Well, that just wasn’t going to happen, she was my child and I was going to do whatever it took to give Ava the best chance at life. Immediately after being released from NICU, Ava started her journey with physical and occupational therapy, along with the many doctor appointments. After turning five years old, the hard work paid off and Ava started to walk. It hasn’t been easy as Ava still needed to work hard to improve on her balance and coordination. She often times did not want to go to therapy and was just not happy being there and having to work. That is until we discovered the Napa Center. Ava loves coming to the Napa Center and so does her little brother. All the therapists and staff are so nice and genuinely care about the children and their families. I even love coming to the Napa Center and being able to network with other parents that truly understand what you are going through. The progress Ava has made here is amazing. She just finished her first Intensive Therapy session and her improvements are great. Before Ava began the Intensive Therapy, she was not able to ride the adaptive bike without assistance and when she walked her gait was very wide. Now, Ava can ride the adaptive bike all by herself and goes super fast ringing the bell for everyone to watch out as she still needs to work on her steering! Ava’s walking has also improved and her gait is much more narrow. She has since become more verbal and is trying to repeat a lot of things. Just the other day, when Ava wanted the Ipad, she said Ipad and it was loud and clear. I am so happy with the results I have seen and can’t wait to see the many more accomplishments Ava will make. I have seen a lot of therapy clinics and without a doubt, I can say nothing compares to the Napa Center and what they have to offer.Jennifer (Ava’s mom) |
Stella’s First NAPA Session
| In our first NAPA session she learned to sit up..I am eternally thankful and grateful for The NAPA Center!When Stella first attended The NAPA Center, she learned to sit up on her own after a 3 week session. It was amazing! It was a adjustment for her at first to discover new movements with her body, but she easily adapted to the exercises, Neuro Suit Therapy, and the caring Therapists at Napa. Stella has attended many more sessions since then, and has always accomplish something new after each session. She is now taking steps with some assistance and has learned to balance and crawl on her own. Stella has gained more strength and has self confidence to achieve anything. We are truly bless to have found Napa. |
Anything is Possible for Levi
| In the N.I.C.U., I was told that Levi would never walk or talk. I refused to believe them, and when Levi was 10 months old we discovered this wonderful therapy clinic by the name of NAPA Center. From the moment Levi started his therapy here, his destiny changed. The therapists at NAPA Center are truly passionate about what they do. And no matter how severe the child is, they believe the child will surpass any limitations put on them. The NAPA Center is very family based and I’m so grateful for the lifelong bonds we have made with the other parents here. This is not an experience families can do alone, and we all support one another. I know for Levi, the road ahead is long, but the incredible progress he has made here gives me real hope that anything is possible. -Jen & Levi Straiton |
LA HISTORIA DE FAWZI H. GRAMAJO
| Diagnostico: Parálisis Cerebral.Fawzi sufrió un accidente al momento de nacer que lo dejó con con secuelas nerológicas y por lo tanto tuvimos que venir a este país buscando ayuda y tratamiento para el ya que en el nuestro no existían los recursos para que el fuera rehabilitado o que fuera a la escuela. Quiero agradecer enormemente a Lynette por su sensibilidad hacia nosotros y su corazon tan grande.También al personal de NAPA center por la bella oportunidad de ser parte del programa intensivo de 3 semanas. Quiero decir que en verdad nos sentimos muy contentos con el programa, la forma de trabajar con los niños es exelente y además el equipo con el que cuentan es poco o más bien no es visto en las unidades de terapia regulares. Quiero agradecer profundamente a Jessica y Rebecca sus terapistas, por la dedicación que mostraron hacia Fawzi día con día en este periodo intensivo. Mis padres vinieron de México exclusivamente para apoyarnos en el tratamiento intensivo, mi padre manejó conmigo 4 horas diaras para estar en NAPA y mi mamá se quedó con mi pequeño hijo que tiene un transplante de corazón, para cuidar de el mientras nosotros estabamos con Fawzi. Mi esposo nos acompañó un par de ocasiones por causa del trabajo pero también disfrutó verlo en el triciclo y en la terapia.Fué justo un día antes de terminar el programa que Fawzi logró por primera vez en su vida dar sus primeros pasos a los 8 años de edad. Fué algo tan especial que mi papá y yo que presenciabamos la escena no pudimos contener las lágrimas por tan hermosa experiencia nunca antes vista. Fawzi por su lado se miraba asombrado y contento de verse por sí mismo dando unos pasos solito.Sabemos que este proceso no ha terminado aún así que esperamos Dios mediante regresar este año para darle continuidad al tratamiento. Damos gracias a Dios por este bendito país que nos abrió las puertas para que Fawzi sea restaurado y tenga una mejor calidad de vida. Nunca lo olvidaremos!! |