#difficult journey

Your purpose matters... never give up. ✌️

New Story has been published on https://enzaime.com/underwent-surgery-remove-tumor/

Underwent surgery to remove tumor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIn April 2015, when Ben was 7 years old, his parents, Meg and Leslie, noticed his balance was off. At first, they were concerned about concussion, since he had hit his head more than once after falling and had complained of headaches. But when his symptoms worsened and he began vomiting, Meg and Leslie feared something just wasn’t right.

They took him to get an MRI, and that’s when they discovered Ben had a brain tumor. Ben immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which was located on his cerebellum. Although the surgery was a success, Ben experienced motor and visual impairments, including double vision.

Ben during therapyWhen the neurosurgeon recommended Kennedy Krieger’s inpatient rehabilitation program, Meg and Leslie agreed without hesitation, having already heard of Kennedy Krieger’s reputation as the best place for brain injury rehabilitation.

Like all patients in the inpatient rehabilitation program, Ben received therapy from many different disciplines—occupational, physical, speech, recreation, and psychology. This team approach ensures that all of a child’s needs are met, including emotional needs, a critical aspect of care especially after cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Telling Ben he had cancer was the hardest day of our lives,” recalls Leslie. “The look on his face…I’ll never forget it…He was very, very scared.” The team at Kennedy Krieger helped the family get through this emotional time. His child life therapist knew how much Ben loved Harry Potter, so she created a Harry Potter-themed book to help him understand the situation. “I will never forget that moment and how she knew just what to do,” says Leslie.

Ben received a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at Kennedy Krieger. Neuropsychologist Cynthia Salorio, PhD, determined that although Ben’s fine motor skills and vision were impaired, “from a cognitive standpoint he looked amazingly good.” In fact, his IQ was one of the highest she’d ever seen after a brain surgery.

Still, he was weak and needed to build strength and endurance. He underwent several hours of therapy each day. Despite the hard work, it was fun because the therapists knew how to tailor therapy to Ben’s interests.Ben smiling

After a second surgery, Ben transitioned to the Institute’s Specialized Transition Program, where he continued his intensive therapy along with classroom instruction so he wouldn’t fall behind in school.

Today, Ben is finishing up second grade and, although he is still recovering, appears unfazed by everything he has been through. “I just like being at Kennedy Krieger—it’s a pretty fun alternative to school,” says Ben, without a hint of irony.

It’s been a long and difficult journey, but Leslie and Meg feel reassured knowing that Kennedy Krieger will continue to monitor Ben for any concerns as he grows. They know their son is in the best of hands.

Day 348, Your Sober Friend Challenge

Society accepts using some mind altering substances.  People believe they just can’t enjoy music, parties and life without these substances. Even the rich and famous have been known to party with the best. Alcohol is served at most political and entertainment functions.  Perhaps that has been a justification for drinking or using.

Today, the news posted 19 celebrities that are sober and speak out…

But I keep trying.

I found the perfect motivation for me, it says:

Coffee in hand,

Big girl panties pulled up,

Sparkle in my eye and a smile on my face.

Yep, I'm ready for the day.....

Bring it on!

I love this.  It reminds me that I need to focus and deal with things like an adult.  It also reminds me that a smile is the most powerful thing on earth.  A good smile, even though forced, can often work it's magic on my own heart.  I choose to see the good wherever I can, wherever I am.  My problem is that often when I do see it, I choose to ignore it or focus my attention elsewhere.  It's a choice.  Well my pledge is to always try to focus on the good in everyone and everything around me as much as possible.  

That's my choice, and I choose to share it with as many people as I can. A smile is free, after all.