Pictured is Aleeza's sister.
"Living with Cerebral Palsy: A Sister's Perspective"
By Aleeza Shakeel
March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs while a child’s brain is under development. Cerebral Palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination. Because the brain injury that occurs during development is permanent, there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy. However, therapy and treatment can help patients with the condition. While it can be difficult to live with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy does not define one's life. Below, Aleeza shares her story about what it is like to live with a sister who has Cerebral Palsy.
Growing up with a handicapped cerebral palsied sister changed my outlook on what a family is supposed to be. My 28-year-old sister currently has a 4-month-old mentality. She cannot walk or talk, but instead is rolled around in a wheelchair and make noises as a baby. But you know what, she’s happy! She is essentially the “ray of sunshine” in the house that has brought our family closer together. Anytime we watch TV in the living room, we always bring her there. And if we don’t, she will continuously make noises until we do. In my personal opinion, she is quite spoiled. She gets bathed daily, she gets her nails done by her youngest sister (which is me) every week, and on special occasions such as her birthday, we dress her up with fine make up, new clothes, and a crown. She is a diva of the house that everyone loves. And this love we have for her has brought the family close together. We just never want to see her in pain. But as you may know, cerebral palsy worsens with age. New complications in her health are arising that are resulting in multiple hospital visits each month. As her family, we will continue to be her voice to ensure her care, safety, and most importantly, her happiness."
Help us spread awareness today by sharing this story with your friends. Thank you, and Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
By Aleeza Shakeel
March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a brain injury or malformation that occurs while a child’s brain is under development. Cerebral Palsy primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination. Because the brain injury that occurs during development is permanent, there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy. However, therapy and treatment can help patients with the condition. While it can be difficult to live with Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy does not define one's life. Below, Aleeza shares her story about what it is like to live with a sister who has Cerebral Palsy.
Growing up with a handicapped cerebral palsied sister changed my outlook on what a family is supposed to be. My 28-year-old sister currently has a 4-month-old mentality. She cannot walk or talk, but instead is rolled around in a wheelchair and make noises as a baby. But you know what, she’s happy! She is essentially the “ray of sunshine” in the house that has brought our family closer together. Anytime we watch TV in the living room, we always bring her there. And if we don’t, she will continuously make noises until we do. In my personal opinion, she is quite spoiled. She gets bathed daily, she gets her nails done by her youngest sister (which is me) every week, and on special occasions such as her birthday, we dress her up with fine make up, new clothes, and a crown. She is a diva of the house that everyone loves. And this love we have for her has brought the family close together. We just never want to see her in pain. But as you may know, cerebral palsy worsens with age. New complications in her health are arising that are resulting in multiple hospital visits each month. As her family, we will continue to be her voice to ensure her care, safety, and most importantly, her happiness."
Help us spread awareness today by sharing this story with your friends. Thank you, and Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day!
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
