Inspiring military family receives VIP Scholarship

Cristian enjoying the Lokomat at VIP!

VIP is honored to share the story of military scholarship recipient, Cristian and family!

We have been amazed by Cristian and his family since first meeting. Their determination and dedication to Cristian's health is inspiring and Cristian is one of the most joyful patients we see all day! 

At the age of 6, Cristian suffered a stroke, which they found was caused by a cancerous brain tumor.  He was in a coma for five months and spent eight months at Rady Children's Hospital. 

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Cristian before his stroke.

Prior to his stroke, Cristian was an active young boy, enjoying playing soccer, baseball and swimming.  After his stroke, it was like starting from scratch for Cristian, both physically and neurologically- he was being redeveloped from the inside-out.

And this is when Cristian's family took action.

His family began working to stimulate his brain again with massages and ROM exercises right after every bed bath.  They would read to him, using baby toys that light up, say the alphabet and practice pushing buttons to work on gross motor and fine motor movements.

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Cristian and his father in the walking suit!

His father, Nelson, who is active duty Navy, built a suit that would allow Cristian to practice walking while still in the hospital.  The suit attached Cristian to his father in order to help support Cristian's weight while he practiced taking one step at a time.

Nelson would promise Cristian dessert if he gave a certain amount of steps! The nurses were amazed at the benefits and results of this suit. They started dancing and cheering Cristian on from the nurses station to encourage Cristian to make it all the way to them at the end of the hall.

Cristian has come a long way since those early months and we look forward to seeing continued improvement at VIP!   And as you can imagine, Cristian loves being on the Lokomat- we are guessing it reminds him of the suit his father built.

To donate to Cristian's therapy or learn more about the scholarship program, please visit VIP Scholarship Program.

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