Dream A Little Dream has just finished our latest Dream Room for Madeline.
Madeline is 11 years old and has a cerebral palsy. CP is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy (about 75 percent), during childbirth (about 5 percent) or after birth (about 15 percent) up to about age three. Further research is needed on adults with CP as the current literature is highly focused on the pediatric patient.
It is a non-progressive disorder, meaning the brain damage does not worsen, but secondary orthopedic difficulties are common. For example, onset of arthritis and osteoporosis can occur much sooner in adults with cerebral palsy. In addition, motor disorder(s) may be accompanied by "disturbances of sensation, cognition, communication, perception, and/or behavior, and/or by a seizure disorder".
There is no known cure for CP. Medical intervention is limited to the treatment and prevention of complications arising from CP's effects.
Madeline is able to walk, and has limited speech. She does attend school and leads an active life. Madelin's favorite color is red, and she LOVES horses, barbies, and Princess Belle.
