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