Today is International Cerebral Palsy Day. Shova Pun shares how INF’s cerebral palsy camps have helped her daughter gain mobility and independence. Shova no longer feels isolated and has hope for the future.
“My name is Shova Pun and I am from Pokhara. When my daughter was born, she looked and acted like all the other children her age. It wasn’t until at age two that we began to notice she had weak legs and her motor skills were limited. Concerned, we took her to many hospitals, hoping for a solution for what we now recognize as Cerebral Palsy [CP]. Doctors told us that surgery was not an option for our daughter and that exercise was the best solution. Soon after we received his news, a woman from local charity told me about INF and their CP camp.
My daughter has made a lot of progress after attending this CP camp. Before, she was unable to climb stairs or play with a ball, but, with the help and training of the physiotherapists and the leg braces INF provided, she is now able to conquer both. She has also learnt simple skills like putting on her shoes and braces by herself. Before this camp I never thought my daughter could accomplish these tasks on her own, so I helped her do everything. This camp has not only shown me that she can do it independently, but that it is important for her to learn these skills.
This being our first CP camp experience, my expectations were high. Amazingly, they were met with the incredible improvement my daughter has shown over the last few days. Before camp I used to think my daughter was the only one affected by CP, and I felt isolated and disheartened. Now, being surrounded by a community of people who share the same struggles, I am encouraged to continue with my daughter’s progress. Soon, she will be able to walk without needing the support of her leg braces.
I thank INF from the bottom of my heart for the hope they have given to us parents whose children are affected by CP.”
Shova Pun shared her story with INF volunteer Aimee Lewis who visited the CP camp at Green Pastures Hospital earlier this year.