Carly Surpasses Everyone’s Expectations
Carly did not have a good start in life. During birth she had trouble breathing and at one day old was intubated and put on a ventilator to help her little body get the oxygen it needed to grow and thrive. Later, Carly was diagnosed with Myotubular Myopathy, a rare muscle condition that causes profound muscle weakness. Most critically it affects the muscles that control breathing and swallowing and is a constant threat to life - even a simple cold could prove fatal. Sadly many children with this condition do not survive their first year of life.
Her parents were told that she probably would never walk, talk, brush her own teeth or live a normal live in any way and not to expect her to live past her first birthday. Currently, there is no cure and treatment often focuses on maximizing the patient’s abilities and minimizing any complications. Rehabilitation with physical and occupational therapy played a huge role in Carly’s success.
Carly’s parents, and their support system, rallied and did everything they could to make her comfortable and hoped for the best. Little did they know that Carly is a fighter and took on every milestone with passion. She never gave up. You could see it in her little face that she really wanted to grow and learn and laugh and play like the other children. Every movement, every breath was celebrated. She has been a patient at Children’s Specialized Hospital many times, since she was about three.
“I really have to give credit to Children’s Specialized Hospital’s expert staff for doing an outstanding job working with Carly and helping her get back on her feet,” said Christina Cerza, Carly’s mom. “The staff really goes the extra mile to make sure we help Carly reach her maximum potential.”
Carly is now a young lady at eight years old. She has far surpassed the doctor’s expectations and works everyday to maintain her current level of abilities. Next on her list, learning how to do her own hair and make up… We all know Carly will far surpass anyone else’s expectations because she never gives up.