Transforming Moments

Taylor’s Story

Therapy Services

Because Taylor qualifies for therapy services through Chesterfield County’s early intervention program, she received monthly physical therapy at home until May and continues to receive weekly Speech Therapy, with a focus on feeding issues including oral/movement strength and fine motor skills. (Earlier speech sessions focused on teaching sign language and words until Taylor’s vocabulary improved.)

“Using all of Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s services has been pretty seamless,” said Visha, who also brings Taylor to the Dental Program every six months. “They all work really well together. The fact that they’re knowledgeable about each different facet of Taylor’s care gives Taylor the ability to get the most out of her appointments.”

Although Taylor may never walk, Visha said “she’s come a long way with her therapies. She’s come out of her shell, is talking a lot more and sitting up really well.”

Moving Forward

In February 2007, Taylor “took her first steps” when she tested a power wheelchair during MD clinic. Visha described it on the web site as “her very own first step – her first time of self mobility.” Three months later, Taylor received her own power chair, affectionately known as “Mr. Purple.”

“She’s a whiz at driving it,” said Visha. “The first time she had it outside, she would roll up to trees and touch their leaves.” Visha’s next goal is to figure out how to waterproof the chair so Taylor can roll under the sprinkler and play with her sisters, 4-year-old Brooke and 8-month-old Madilyn, neither of whom have SMA.

This fall, the little girl who loves music and the mini Barbie keyboard she got for Christmas will welcome a service dog, a Golden Retriever named Hero, to help her retrieve items, open doors, turn lights on and off, and provide her independence.

“As a person, she’s a bubbly, happy little girl,” said Visha. “Working with her and playing with her, you forget how sick she is. Being at Children’s Hospital of Richmond has been a great experience. Everyone is very friendly and very willing to help.”

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