Jaxson

Sierra and Mark were thrilled to be first time parents. Sierra followed all the rules during her pregnancy, reading every book and doing everything right. Things were going as planned until her water unexpectedly broke at 29 weeks. It was then at the hospital that doctors told them their baby might have hydrocephalus. “That alone for any parent is scary and breaks your heart,” said Sierra. “And the thought of the unknown is even worse.”

Jaxson was born two months early with a congenital brain anomaly. “The first words out of the doctor’s mouth were, ‘Here’s what he has and we don’t know if he’ll ever walk, talk or do anything,’” said Sierra. “That’s devastating to hear that. However, it’s also a big motivator to find out what do we have to do to give him the best chance.”

In addition to his brain anomaly, Jaxson was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a rare eye disorder and recently, was diagnosed with autism.

A babysitter who had once worked at Heartspring told Mark and Sierra about Heartspring Pediatric Services and following an evaluation, Jaxson began receiving services in November 2004 when he was eight months old.

“We really felt like it’s been all-inclusive from the beginning,” said Sierra. “It was like ‘He needs PT (physical therapy), OT (occupational therapy) and speech (therapy) and you’re going to get PT, OT and speech.’ There was never a question in that.”

Activities such as walking have been a major focus in physical therapy for Jaxson. “We were told he’d probably never walk,” said Mark. “Since he’s been at Heartspring he’s now walking with one hand assistance.”

Physical therapist Cheryl Jabara said that many of her goals for Jaxson include helping him navigate safely around any environment. “Last fall Jaxson began taking independent steps,” she said. “He decided one day he was going to walk back to the therapy gym by himself, and he got really close to making it before needing help.”

During occupational therapy with Mimi French, Jaxson is working on fine motor, visual motor, pre-writing, play and self-help skills as well as general muscle strengthening. “Jaxson attempts to run into the occupational therapy room with his dad and immediately sits down at the small table and looks around for the first activity,” said Mimi.

Jaxson’s therapists recognize the effort he puts into his therapies. “Jaxson’s diagnosis list is not a short one,” said Mimi. “He is a child with determination and a strong will. It is with these gifts that Jaxson has been able to achieve so much.”

Mark and Sierra look at Heartspring not just as a therapy center for their son, but as a place where they are welcome and supported. “There is a love that we feel for Heartspring as a group and it’s a love that I feel is reciprocated,” said Sierra. “To find Heartspring was a blessing – receiving not only therapeutic support, but support from others saying you’re not alone, because it’s a very scary time and you do feel alone.”

The therapists at Heartspring have gained the respect of Jaxson’s parents. “There are no words to show our gratitude and appreciation of what everyone here has done for our child and for us as a family,” said Sierra.

“I’d say (the therapists) genuinely love Jaxson,” said Mark.

Because of the many therapies Jaxson requires, Mark and Sierra have been able to take advantage of Heartspring’s financial assistance program. “It’s important because we have fabulous insurance, but as with any insurance, you have benefit maximums and we go above and beyond that every single year...easily,” said Sierra. “The cut off would reduce Jaxson’s therapy on a yearly basis to probably once or twice a month versus multiple times a week which is what he needs.”

Looking back, Sierra and Mark feel blessed to have such a special child. “As much as we love Jax, it doesn’t mean that there are moments where, of course we want him to talk, that’s a goal for me, and I want him to walk independently and do all of those things. But I really feel like if I said fix him or make him something different, that would change Jaxson and I wouldn’t change Jaxson. Jaxson’s my heart,” said Sierra.