Child Spotlight: Bowdrie
1. What is the name of your child’s diagnosis?
Hydrocephalus + Unilateral CP
2. Tell us a bit about how this affects your child
Hydrocephalus is a life altering diagnosis that involved the placement of a VP shunt into Bowdrie’s brain at just 6 days old. He has had 2 revisions since the initial placement and there is a list of unknowns as to if and when he may require another revision. They truly can fail at any time. Bow’s unilateral CP does not slow him down- he recently just started walking. His right side is affected resulting in a very fisted right hand and limited use of the right arm. His right leg shows minor signs of being affected. Therapy Therapy Therapy is our best friend & makes the struggles of CP that much more manageable.
3. What have you learned from your child and being his/her parent?
And this I have learned- Bowdrie will teach us more than I can ever expect to teach him. I have learnt to never take the simple things our bodies are capable of for granted. To enjoy the freedom of movement & to always jump on the opportunity to enjoy the simplest moments in life. Bowdrie radiates happiness- there is never a bad day with him around. He lights up every room he walks into. The real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles
4. What makes your child happy and brings them joy?
So many things bring Bowdrie happiness- he shines with the simplest things. His most favourite things I would say are his people- His Uncle & Grandpa and Grandma are his biggest fans and he looks forward to all the time he spends with them & his puppies! But I think the BIGGEST joy is riding on his Daddy’s snowmobile or riding in his side by side. anything with a motor. Bowdrie has doubled in his backpack more places in the mountains than most people get to in their lifetime!
