Believing in Sam

Kids come to physical therapy at ChildServe for many reasons: some are recovering from an injury, while others are working on developmental milestones like learning to walk. They receive therapy for months or a few years as they work on their goals. But many children, like 13-year-old Sam, see therapy not as temporary service, but as a partnership that may last their whole life.

"From the day he was born, I knew Sam would need care every day for his entire life," said his mom, Victoria. "We've had him in therapy since he was 6 months old to help him maintain flexibility and be as strong as possible."

Victoria sees therapy as an important way to help Sam live a great life despite his lifelong needs, but finding a therapy team who shared her perspective wasn't easy at first.

"Our previous therapy provider was going to drop Sam's services—they didn't feel he could make more progress," said Victoria. "To hear them give up on my child broke my heart. But the team at ChildServe has believed in Sam—not just that he can continue to grow and build strength, but that his life and comfort are important."

In therapy, Sam works to strengthen his muscles and improve movements like sitting up on his own or lifting his arm. He typically uses a wheelchair, but he also has access to a piece of equipment called "KidWalk" that gives him support to stand upright and propel himself where he wants to go. The stronger his legs become, the more easily Sam will be able to use the KidWalk.

When ChildServe received a new piece of equipment called the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU), his therapy team knew it was a great opportunity for Sam. The UEU's ropes, pulleys, and harnesses keep Sam safely suspended just off the ground, enabling him to practice holding up a portion of his body weight.

"Working with Sam in the UEU helps me to maximize his treatment session in many ways," said ChildServe Physical Therapist Sarah Wagner. "Using the pulley system, I am able to isolate specific muscles for strengthening and stretching, which has allowed me to improve his motion better than passive stretching."

With each session on the UEU, Sam also experiences a new level of independence. "The UEU helps Sam experience independence with movements he usually needs assistance with," said Sarah. "I can place Sam in the UEU and have him standing or sitting without anyone holding on to him, which can help build his confidence."

With support from ChildServe, Sarah, and the UEU, Victoria has seen Sam become more flexible; practice standing, kneeling, and kicking a soccer ball on his own; and grow stronger as he uses his KidWalk at school and home.

"Sam has always been able to read people, and I think he works hard at therapy because he knows the team cares about him," said Victoria. "His therapists push him to try new things, and they never give up on him. They have more heart in the ChildServe building than any care provider I've been to."