therapy through the State-sponsored program for babies and toddlers with developmental delays.
“ Early Intervention has made a big difference,” Korey said, while explaining that McKenzie was engaged and attentive during physical, occupational and developmental sessions with therapists.“ She’ s ahead of the game because of therapy,” he said.“ It has helped her verbally and mentally, as well, so she is very advanced for her age in getting ready for school.”
Yet, despite therapy, McKenzie continued to favor her right side, so her parents diligently sought answers. A diagnostic MRI revealed Schizencephaly, a developmental disorder characterized by slits( called clefs) in the brain. Thankfully, McKenzie is only mildly impacted – and only on the left side of her body.
“ At first it was difficult grasping the concept that this is something that’ s never going to go away. The first six months or so, I was thinking‘ We’ re going to do physical therapy and then it’ s going to get better,’” Lorissa said.“ We caught it early because we were so concerned, but we learned that she’ s always going to need therapy.”
Korey and Lorisssa especially appreciate the guidance and support they have received through the years from pediatric physical therapy assistant Ginny Liss, who started working with McKenzie as an infant.“ Ginny was the first person I called when I learned her condition was permanent. She’ s been awesome and so supportive,” Lorissa said.
While McKenzie was a little delayed in walking and still struggles at times to use her left side, she has made great strides – strides that are especially noticeable in gymnastic classes.“ For a lot of kids, its very easy for them to grab a bar and swing on it, but for her it’ s a little more difficult,” Hawkins said.“ She can grab the bar, but she’ s basically only holding it with one hand. She has to learn to make some adjustments. She gets frustrated at times, but she keeps trying until she figures it out.”
Both parents are dedicated to giving their daughter every advantage by pushing her beyond her comfort zone. To improve McKenzie’ s balance, coordination and strength, Korey built McKenzie toddler-sized stairs and a rocker-board so she could do therapy at home. Similarly, Lorissa created fun games and ingenious fine motor activities to help McKenzie reach occupational therapy goals while playing at home. They also had McKenzie fitted for an orthotic that provides greater stability and helps to increase muscle strength in her left leg.
“ Independence is my number one goal for her,” Korey said.“ I just want her to be able to do the littlest things – like putting on a coat to go out to the playground and getting her own lunch tray.” No doubt that McKenzie’ s‘ can do’ attitude, coupled with her parents’ commitment, will ensure her continued success!
Lorissa Cummings and daughter McKenzie Hawkins
“ She can do anything any kid her age can do; she just has to work a little bit harder.”
Korey Hawkins, McKenzie’ s dad
For more information about SBL Physical and Occupational Therapy, call 217-258-2530 or go to www. sarahbush. org. january 2017 healthstyles 5