This is Part 2 of the collection of daily facts about cerebral palsy that Stacy has been posting on the Fans of James Facebook page. This post will include facts from Days 17 through 31. Click here to view Part 1 for CP facts from days 1 through 16.
Thanks again you Firefly for putting these facts together to help raise awareness about CP.
Day 17
James has spastic cerebral palsy which is the most common type of CP, making up 70 to 80 percent of cases. People with spastic cerebral palsy often experience exaggerated or jerky movements (hypertonia).
Day 18
James is anything but common.
Day 19
That is a lot of people!
Day 20
I believe it. Social media has helped bring all these families, friends, and people together.
Day 21
James might be wheelchair bound, but his friend needs to walk with crutches. Both of them have cerebral palsy.
Day 22
We didn’t realize it was so common. I don’t know how old this figure is, but I wonder if that number has changed over the years.
Day 23
James is not one of the lucky ones, but he doesn’t seem to mind mommy, daddy or his nurse pushing him around.
Day 24
James was told at his parent teacher conference that he is a chatter box in his own way. He can’t speak, but instead makes lots of sounds.
Day 25
When James was born, his left optic nerve was not developed so he wore glasses from age 1 to 3 years old. His eyes finally got stronger and now he just wears them just to protect his eyes from getting dry since he doesn’t blink or know how to close his eyes.
Day 26
All four of James’ limbs are affected. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Day 27
Trying to get by on one full-time income, and Stacy’s side jobs is a struggle. We don’t qualify for many government benefits, but we are fortunate to have family, friends, and even complete strangers help us out financially.
Day 28
Every hour? Let that sink in for a minute. We need to find a way to “cure” cerebral palsy!
Day 29
Although James can’t speak, we think he has hip and back pains. That’s why he will be getting his spine fused. We’re hoping that will help with discomfort and allow him to breathe better.
Day 30
We just want James to live the best life he can with the CP card he was dealt. Don’t feel sorry for him; we think he has a pretty good life with his mommy & daddy.
Day 31
LAST DAY! I hope you learned some new information. This journey is definitely not what Stacy and I expected when James was born, but it’s our journey. I’m not sure if we would want it any other way. We’ve met so many wonderful people because of James.
