Sep
18
2018
Visiting Nurse Patient Story: Damian Jr. Turns 14 Years Old!
By Damian Sr., Zarat Y., & Damian Jr.
We personally want to recognize some of the people who have been a part of our son, Damian Jr.’s, life since his challenging, yet miraculous start on August 1st, 2004. Whether past or current, we are constantly overwhelmed by the amazing, loving family members, prayer warriors, caregivers, teachers, therapists, doctors, specialists, caseworkers, funders, supporters. As you may have heard us say, “YOU ARE A PART OF OUR FAMILY”. We treasure your place in our son’s healing, growth, and development. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Quad, Developmental Delay, Seizures and Cortical Visual Impairment, Damian Jr. is the epitome of a fighter. I invite you to watch his birth story to learn more about his journey.
Living An Active Life
Over the years, Damian has done different types of therapy: occupational therapy, physical therapy, aquatics, horse, speech, vision, neurologic music, sound, play, feeding. He has also participated in activities such as church/youth group, baseball, bowling, music, athletic games, races, and all kinds of camps. Did I mention that he also swims?
See him in action swimming in the pool.
In addition, Damian has picked up a little bit of equipment over the years – chairs, mounts, bikes, assisted tech, big macs, braces, splints, beds, gait trainers. Also, he has received funding for all kinds of renovations and even a handicap accessible vehicle.
Inclusion in the Classroom
For the 2010-2011 academic school year, the Georgia Department of Education Special Education Services and Supports placed an emphasis on a less restrictive environment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities as a part of the state’s LRE Initiative –Damian was included for this pilot project at Kincaid Elementary School. He is a champion in the classroom. Damian has been featured in masters level degree programs for music therapy, research studies, and documentaries.
Care from the Community
He has visited a few clinics over the years for Cerebral Palsy, Spasticity, Wheelchair, Rehab, Vision. In addition to doctor offices in 8+ different areas. Since March 2012 we have used Georgia’s Community Care Services Program (CCSP) through Visiting Nurse. This service has allowed Damian to have a home aide assisting him with daily living. They also provide respite care because we work full-time jobs.
Damian has just turned 14 years old and has a growing mustache! He is gifted, hilarious, musical, intuitive, and very social while managing the complexity of his medical needs. However, he still fighting for the very best life possible.
We wanted to pause and say, THANK YOU and we thank God for how you have invested in him.
“We believe that God can continue to do immeasurably more than what we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20).
With great love and appreciation,
Damian Sr., Zarat Y., & Damian Jr.
Visiting Nurse Health System is Georgia’s leading nonprofit provider of home healthcare, long-term care at home, and hospice services, helping patients and their loved ones receive care at home following an illness, surgery, or hospital stay.
