Alexandra Beale Foundation

Miss Kassidy Harding - Update,May15th, 2003

Ever since Miss Kassidy has turned one, she has begun a new, fresh start. We thank God everyday for blessing our lives with her. If you were to see her now, you would never know anything was wrong with her.

She graduated from the Neurology program on April 19th (two days after she turned one). We got good news about her far-sightedness and the lazy eye on May 12, 2003. They are both getting better with the help of the patching and her glasses. On May 14, 2003 we seen the psychologists for the Bailey exam and the neonatologists. Well, she has graduated from the Neonatology program now too. The only reason we would have to see him again would be if she had a relapse (which we pray she won't!).

Kassidy scored very well on the Bailey (IQ) test. She scored at 12 months for her mental portion, which is right where she should be. The psychologists said that she has great vocal and imitative skills. She loves to try to copy everything you do. She was also impressed with how well she demonstrates on command the Itsy Bitsy spider and patty cake. She only scored at 10 months for her motor skills. We knew she wasn't where the "average" child is for the motor skills. There were two things that stood out the most. 1) she's not walking (but finally pulling up on things), and 2) she doesn't use the pincer grab (picking up things with her thumb and index finger). She still rakes things to pick them up. There were a few games that she didn't get the concept of. But overall she did very well.

The neonatologists advised us to keep up with the physical therapy to help with her mild case of cerebral palsy on her right side. It has done wonders for her. He can't believe how well she has picked up on things. We need to concentrate on making her feet go straight when she starts walking. She tends to go pigeon-toed. That's her next big challenge, or the doctors
like to call it "homework for mom and dad".

I guess this girl of mine is very determined. From day 2, the doctors saying that she might not make it. To week two, saying that she won't be able to see, won't have any use of her right side, and possibly having seizures for the rest of her life. To one year, completely fighting her way through it all. She can definitely see, but with glasses (very cute though), has very good use of her right side, and has fought off the seizures with no medicine. We are very proud of her.

Frank and I still think about her lapsing and having another stroke or having more seizures. But then I look at her and just know that everything will be OK no matter what happens. She is a very special girl. I know there are different degrees of strokes, but I hope Kassidy's story can shed some "positive" light and hope to other families that are going through the same thing.

I just wanted to thank Alexandra and her loving family and friends. Without them, Frank and I may still be looking negatively towards the outcome of pediatric strokes. You guys are truly an inspiration to us.

Sincerely,
Frank, Sharon and Kassidy Harding