Zarina is a 9-year-old with a lot of personality. She is outgoing, fearless, and up for any challenge. She didn’t always have this mindset though. Zarina first came to La Rabida after surgery to help with her pain caused by Cerebral Palsy. She overcame mental and physical hurdles that would normally take months for most, but for Zarina, that wasn’t the case. She found strength and took incredible strides sooner than anyone expected.

For patients who have Cerebral Palsy, daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or navigating crowds or uneven surfaces can be difficult, and daily tasks may require walkers or even wheelchairs. Before coming to La Rabida, Zarina had surgery to align and stabilize the muscles, tendons, and bone in her foot to remedy the difficulty she had and pain she felt being on her feet. But she still had a road to recovery.

After surgery, Zarina had more than a renewed sense of independence. According to her mom Whitney, she had a breakthrough. Then, before she knew it the work she was doing with her rehabilitation team paid off. Within two weeks, she strengthened her muscles and had stronger motor skills than before surgery. Zarina has something no one can take away from her – a new burst of confidence and courage. This new part of her personality appeared in part thanks to the care from, and genuine bonds with, the La Rabida nurses, therapists, and staff who stood with her every step of the way.

Zarina graduated from inpatient with the ability to do things she couldn’t even before surgery. She now has something nothing and nobody can take away from her – confidence and courage.

Being discharged from La Rabida is a bittersweet memory for Zarina now. When she returned home, she hugged her brother and during their reunion, Whitney says they all cried tears of joy together. That’s when Zarina and her family knew she had more than one place to call home.

Zarina returns to La Rabida for weekly sessions with her orthopedic and physical therapists. She continues to put in the hard work to maintain the ability to roll herself in the wheelchair and use a walker. And, in between those weekly appointments, holds on to what she’s learned, who she really is and reminds herself, “I can do hard things.”