For This Child

“CAP is just a part of the community,” explains Danielle about how she and her daughter, Paige, came to know about the early childhood development service that has become such a fundamental part of their lives. In fact, Paige’s current caseworker, Sharon Patrick, even visited her in the hospital soon after she was born and suggested that Danielle enroll her in CAP’s Child Development Program. For Danielle and Paige, the community of care that has been created by CAP’s work in Parker’s Lake, Ky. has been nothing short of an answered prayer.

A Child Arrives

Paige was born at 24-weeks and spent 98 days in the hospital. She’s been in hospital four times since. She was recently diagnosed with “sensory processing disorder.” For her, everything has to be in order – everything needs to be in its place, hands need to be clean – it’s a learning disorder. “The world is a big puzzle and she has to be able to put it together in her own way,” according to Danielle.

Danielle went to the ER at 23-weeks-pregnant and was told she had kidney stones. She was sent home. She remained in bed for a week – not eating, not sleeping, not moving, not able to do anything. Her husband finally convinced her to go back to the hospital and when she did she was diagnosed with preeclampsia. She was rushed from the local hospital to Lexington, where they intended to deliver Paige. She was in Lexington for four days before Paige arrived.

Paige’s heart rate dropped rapidly after birth and Danielle was told that Paige would not survive – she was much smaller than expected. They laid her on the table and attempted a number of procedures and finally, when it seemed hopeless, she began kicking and the doctors were able to get the tubes into her. Danielle says that Paige “fought the rest of the way, and that’s why she’s here today.”

Paige has had extended stays in the hospital since her birth, returning for numerous bouts of pneumonia, flu, and RSV. She has chronic lung disease and asthma.

One aspect of sensory processing disorder that affects Paige is an inability to feel pain. This means that she can never be left alone and must be taught in other ways that certain actions are dangerous or could cause her harm. Her tolerance to pain is exceptionally high.

A Child Learns and Grows

Paige has had one-on-one care and instruction from Sharon since the day she came home. Sharon has even made toys specifically for Paige – toys that enhance Paige’s ability to communicate with her senses. These toys are handmade, tactile objects and Paige spends most of her time during Sharon’s visits squeezing, touching, and playing with these toys.

According to Danielle, one of her friend’s children has the same condition as Paige and is now experiencing major problems in school. Paige will be able to enter and participate in school at the same level as the other children. Paige’s condition won’t go away, but her ability to function with her condition will be impacted and improved by Sharon’s work.

The symptoms of Paige’s condition would be much worse without Sharon’s constant contact and teaching methods. Danielle and her husband would not have access to the type of direct therapy that Paige is receiving from CAP. Paige receives professional child development and education, which is enabling her to thrive in spite of her various medical conditions. Danielle is given a few hours of respite each day, which allows her to take care of herself.

Answered Prayers for a Child

Paige is focused, content, and happy. She is particularly engaged when interacting with Sharon. Danielle is calm, measured, and reflective when speaking about Paige. It is immediately evident that Danielle has experienced a lot in the past two years with Paige and is now very grateful for the life they share.

CAP has been a constant in the lives of Danielle and Paige and was prepared and equipped to assist them the moment Paige was born. It will mean that Paige is as prepared as possible to face school, and then the world, when the time comes.

In a prominent spot on the wall in Danielle’s home is a gallery of framed images – Paige’s first footprints and handprints, the earliest photos of her in the hospital (surrounded by tubes and other medical equipment), and a photo of a healthy, happy Paige wearing a large yellow bow. Centered above these images is a single piece of scripture, carved into a plank of wood.

“That’s my very favorite Bible verse,” acknowledges Danielle, “because it has meant so much to me these past couple years. ‘For this child I have prayed – 1 Samuel 1:27’ and these prayers have always been answered.”