If you are a long time reader here you have heard me talk about my friend Cheryl many times. Cheryl blogs at The Beautiful Side of Hectic. If you haven’t been there lately I encourage you to go read her latest post Defeated. She also blogs at 5 Minutes for Special Needs and if you read her post from July 11th titled My Love/Hate Relationship With Botox you can get the whole story of what has been going on with her daughter Jillian.
Quick summary for those who don’t know and don’t have time to read everything. Jillian has Cerebral Palsy. With botox treatment to her muscles doctors believe this would help loosen her stiff muscles and enable her to start walking. The insurance company would not cover the botox because Jillian would be receiving it at a hospital. Doesn’t make sense to me but this is what Cheryl was told. Jillian ended up receiving a donation for one round of botox. Everyone hope that this donation would help prove to the insurance company that Jillian needed it.
We all watched and cried as Jillian’s therapy went on. We saw her stand with flat feet for the first time, we saw her climb stairs, walk with a walker and even ride a bike. All of this was accomplished in a very short time thanks to the botox and a very strong willed little girl.
Jillian Walking
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2iyWO5qMM0&w=420&h=345]Jillian Riding a Bike
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTVECHTwBWY&w=420&h=345]Jillian’s botox has now worn off. The doctors have written a letter for Cheryl to give to the insurance company. Cheryl has contacted the insurance company as written about in her post today and they won’t even listen to her or read the letter. So Cheryl sits defeated and not knowing where to turn while her little girl asks with tears in her eyes why her legs don’t work anymore.
This isn’t right and it isn’t fair. I know Cheryl will not just take this lying down. However I watched her fight tooth and nail last time as well and had every door slammed in her face. This little girl needs the botox. She deserves to have every chance in life for a full life and this include walking and running with her friends.