Six-year-old Sofia has received massage therapy in the MUCH program for two years. Natasha had begun working with Sofia when she was nine months old. This was separate from the work that she was doing with MUCH. Sofia has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic dipligia. She could not crawl, roll over, or control the muscles of her head, arms, or legs.
Ever since she was diagnosed, her parents have been taking her to a sanatorium for different kinds of treatments. Her father made some devices with his hands, such as stairs and a Swedish wall (ladder), to develop Sofia’s muscles. The desk he made suits her just right.
At first, Natasha provided massage therapy and passive physical exercises for Sofia during home visits. She gave her parents recommendations for physical exercises they could do together with Sofia. This would maintain the positive results Sofia received during each ten-day course of massage therapy.
Soon, Natasha suggested that Sofia receive acupuncture. This would stimulate certain body parts and normalize the tone of tense muscles. But her parents were afraid and unsure that this could help their daughter. Over time, the parents agreed. Natasha gave Sofia an acupuncture treatment, and soon, the parents saw good results.
Sofia has made obvious progress, particularly in the past two years. With the help of her mother, she can come to Natasha’s office (doesn’t need to be carried) and receive massage therapy on a comfortable massage table. She has become more active. Sofia is developing and strengthening her tactile skills. She is grasping items and moving them from place to place. She can sit down without help. Sofia can get out of bed, crawl, stand near a support, and walk leaning against an object like a wall or bed.
Sofia stands better. A verticalizer was purchased for her. She stands for an hour, strengthening her legs and reinforcing the neurological signals to her brain.
She is also undergoing training on a vibration platform and other devices that will improve her health.
Cheer Sofia on as she develops new skills and enthusiastically moves forward in her young life. Sofia is just one example of the children that MUCH is helping.
Sofia’s parents, Natasha and MUCH, want to thank you for your genuine concern and support for children with disabilities. Your kindness truly makes a difference!
Thank you, your donations are changing lives!
Your support enables us to:
Provide children with improved physical health.
Give children comfort, healing, and joy.
Improve their mental well-being.
