Curly’s Story

Curly is an 8 year old fun seeking, loud music, disco light loving little boy that has a series of complex health needs, each one compounded by the next.

Curly is a full-time wheelchair user and has dystonic cerebral palsy which affects all four limbs. Due to the severity of Curly’s cerebral palsy he cannot move or control any of his four limbs, with out assistance and has minimal head control. He has epilepsy, is tube fed and is registered blind. Curly also has scoliosis of spine meaning that he has a curved and twisted spine. Due to the complexities of Curly’s conditions he is susceptible to chest infections and pneumonia in both lungs. As Curly remains ‘static’ unless physically moved by us his parents, he requires a high level of respiratory physiotherapy to ensure that he can cough and remove any phlegm that is a sitting in his lungs or airways. As this is a prime breeding ground for any bugs, germs or nasties that Curly inhales, this makes him a prime candidate for chest infections, colds and in worst cases pneumonia. (Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder syndrome in which sustained or repetitive (and sometime times extremely painful) muscle contractions result in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal fixed postures.)

How long have you been using the Radic8 technology and what are the benefits you have seen, if any?

We have been using the Radic8 technology for a considerable length of time now and feel that this has contributed to the general good health and well-being of Curly. We also feel that it is an ‘extra weapon’ in fighting any airborne germs that could be in our home not only during the winter months but through the year.

Do you think it is important for people with a compromised immune system to limit exposure to airborne pathogens?

Hell yes! These are silent killers, that are invisible and a constant worry to ANY parent or carer to someone with compromised immune system and breathing difficulties.

Would you like to see Radic8 technology installed in medical facilities, if yes why?

The highest level of these Radic8 systems need to be seen as ‘standard’ in ALL hospitals, especially High Dependancy Units. These HDU’s are where patients require 1:1 or 2:1 nursing care depending on the complexity and health needs. Curly would spend 1-2 weeks several times a year in HDU, but more so through the Autumn and Winter months. We once estimated that in a 30 bed children’s ward, there were in excess of 400 people in and out of that ward in a 24 hour period. Each one coughing, breathing and sneezing their germs in an enclosed and securely locked environment. We try to stay out of hospital if we can help it! However we now take our portable Radic8 unit with us, to aid in safeguarding Curly. Curly’s Dad