After being delivered at a mere 24 weeks, Calliope was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia, also known as PVL. PVL is a brain injury often found in children born prematurely that is caused by damage to the white matter that surrounds the ventricles of the brain, which transmit messages between nerve cells and other areas of the brain.

“The neurologist showed me the big spot on her brain, and he said that there would not be activity in that area of the brain ever,” shared Isabella, Calliope’s mom. “Little did I know that through therapy, the brain can make neuropathways around that spot to compensate for what is meant to happen there. It’s amazing.”

Over time, Isabella began to notice something about Calliope. “We found that she wasn’t really using the left side of her body,” shared Isabella. This was a result of a condition called hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy that is caused by damage to the hemisphere of the brain that is in control of one’s muscle movement. Many children who have PVL will also be diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Calliope began going to physical therapy on a regular basis to strengthen that left side, but Isabella felt that she could be pushed harder. “We found that Calliope’s original therapists weren’t as aggressive as they needed to be. I felt that she wasn’t making progress,” said Isabella. That’s when Calliope arrived at La Rabida.

Margie, Calliope’s physical therapist at La Rabida, has been transformative in her progress.

“Margie picked right back up where her previous therapists had left off, but took things to the next level,” shared Isabella. “I love how she is so hands-on and aggressive with her. Calliope feeds off of that. She loves to be pushed.”

Through routine physical therapy, Calliope has started to build up her strength. Once relying on a walker, Calliope is now able to walk all on her own.

“Margie shows us how to do all of the exercises at home. We don’t have all of these balls and tools, but she taught us how to mimic the movements with pillows and things around the house,” said Isabella. “She makes it fun for both of us. It’s important to me that Calliope likes her therapist, and she loves Margie.”

Calliope, now three years old, has made so much progress. “She is now using her left side more and more each day,” shares Isabella. “She has overcome so much.”

This story was featured in the March 2020 issue of Currents, La Rabida's monthly newsletter. To view the March issue of Currents, click here.