A story of hope and growth thanks to SOAR365’s pediatric therapists
Sometimes the scariest things in life are the unknown. For Lea Whitehurst-Gibson and her husband, Monty, this became their reality when they adopted Samaj four years ago.
“Samaj was the first infant we had ever cared for, and around three months in, we noticed that he wasn’t using the right side of his body the same way as his left side,” Lea explains.
Given Samaj’s prenatal drug exposure, his development needed careful monitoring. After consulting with various doctors, some suggested it would take time, while others recommended physical therapy. That’s when SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy staff entered their lives.
“We just didn’t know what to expect,” Lea recalls. “We had so many questions about Samaj’s development, the challenges he would face, and how we could best help him. The therapists at SOAR365 always made us feel like we could ask any question, and they were always honest about what they knew and what they didn’t know, which was refreshing.”
Eventually, Samaj was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that impacts movement, balance, and posture. SOAR365’s team of pediatric, physical, occupational, and speech therapists worked with Samaj to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to his needs.
Samaj’s progress has been facilitated by key therapeutic accommodations and supports. Lea recalls, “He started using a gait trainer around his first birthday. Watching him progress from needing attachments to maneuvering it independently has been incredible.” With SOAR365’s help, Samaj was also introduced to equipment like the gait trainer, adjustable benches, and special chairs to support his mobility development.
Through weekly sessions and ongoing communication with therapists, Samaj has made significant progress. “It’s just really beautiful to see our son hit new milestones in his life,” Lea says. “His ability to move independently has gotten so much better. He can communicate with us and tell us exactly what he needs.”
“He has been through more in his short life than many of us will ever experience in ours,” Lea adds. “We just want to be the catalysts for him to someday realize his hopes and dreams.” SOAR365’s dedicated therapists have been a constant support, guiding Samaj and his family toward a brighter, more independent future.
The earlier children have access to therapy, the higher their rate of success. If you’d like to support Pediatric Therapy and all of the life-fulfilling programs SOAR365 offers, please visit soar365.org/donate.