Student project focuses on helping 7-year-old with cerebral palsy

In the textbook medical definition sense, cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of movement disorders. There are many different forms of this disorder, including spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy and ataxic cerebral palsy. But for those caring for a loved one with cerebral palsy, these definitions and terms -- while certainly important -- are not what they think of on a day-to-day basis. Rather, making sure their loved one is properly cared for is top of the list. 

Recently, a grandmother who takes care of her 7-year-old son grandson gave a glimmer into what it is like to care for a child with cerebral palsy. 

In this family's case, the 7-year-old boy needs around the clock constant care. Family vacations are not a reality, nor is hiring a sitter to have a night out on the town. Rather, there are a group of five nurses who rotate in and out of the home to care for the boy while his grandmother works full-time as a nurse. 

For the grandmother though, her concerns stem around her home not being properly equipped to handle raising a child with cerebral palsy. Especially as he grew into needing a full-sized wheelchair, she knew it was time to do something. 

As it is, she has already spent a good deal of time fighting with insurance companies over her grandson's needs. Many times, she said, the associated costs have ended up falling on her. 

However, when one of her grandson's nurses talked about a home renovation project to her uncle -- who is an instructor at a local college -- 12 students ended up taking on the electrical portion of the renovation project, which includes building a larger bedroom and a bathroom that is handicap-accessible. These students were able to get charitable donations from local business and have been doing the project themselves. The grandmother said when all is said and done -- for the electrical portion -- she will just be paying for the wires.

Of course this is truly a heart-warming story about all that can be accomplished when people come together. However, while certainly very helpful, it does not take away from the fact that her grandson will face a lifetime of challenges.

This is why it is important to talk with an attorney if it is believed cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence during birth. While compensation from a lawsuit will not take away the disorder, it can help with associated costs.

Source: yorkdispatch.com, "YTI students install electricity for child with cerebral palsy," Nikelle Snader, January 31, 2014