3 Cheers to DDD Member Who Lifts Up Her Teammates and Holds ‘Em High
Last month was Foster Care Awareness, yet the commitment to providing a safe and loving home doesn't end on May 31. One East Valley couple has been fully committed to foster care and guiding children through their growing years. In 2011, their daughter Gigi was eight days old when she first joined the family. Now age 13, Gigi is thriving, thanks to the loving couple who fostered then adopted her on National Adoption Day in November 2012, and support from DES.
Born at 34 weeks, Gigi had been exposed to phencyclidine (PCP) and alcohol, and spent her first eight days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Gigi was "super fragile, [designated as] ‘failure to thrive,' and was aspirating," said Mila, her mother.
As an infant, Gigi was not meeting developmental milestones and was in and out of hospitals on a monthly basis. At 7 months, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol syndrome. A small baby, at 12 months of age, she wore clothes for infants half her age. She also had challenges coordinating movement on both sides of her body at the same time, which continue to this day. This prevented Gigi from crawling, but she adapted by scooting instead, eventually taking her first steps at age 16 months.
Mila noted that despite her challenging medical conditions, Gigi "was the most resilient, happiest baby," and once Gigi was enrolled in the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), she was able to receive feeding, occupational and physical therapies, all of which were critical forms of support during her earliest years.
Support for her cerebral palsy diagnosis followed when she became a member of the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in 2012.
Her ongoing development was encouraging. As a toddler, Gigi attended Zumba classes with mom. While mom exercised, little Gigi would get up and dance, too. Despite Gigi's physical limitations and cognitive delays, Mila noted that she remembered every dance. "She was my Zumba buddy."
By age 3, she wanted to follow in her big sister's footsteps and be a cheerleader. "I never told her she can't do something or she can't try something," said Mila. "I know she has limitations, but you can still do it in your own way within your limitations. You can push yourself to be the best you can be." So, Gigi started recreational cheerleading classes at ActivStars when she was 3 years old and has never missed a semester since.
Though she started as a recreational cheerleader, Gigi tried out and made the "pro-level" team two years ago. She can't do "the jumps" but she brings other talents to the team. "You can't have a cheer team with people who only jump well," said Mila. "Gigi is an awesome base." As a "base," she lifts others and holds them up in the air. She has built a great relationship with her teammates who trust her to hold them steady. The team is doing so well that they'll be competing on a national level in Biloxi, Mississippi in July!
Helping Gigi with her recreational activities are the physical therapy services she receives twice a week from DDD. She also likes roller skating, biking, and has taken swimming lessons to ensure that she's safe around water.
At home, Gigi is one of five girls and two boys. "Adoption was just a natural step for us," said Mila. In addition to the 7 adopted children, the family also fosters four other children. "We're actually reaching the end of our foster journey. If we decide that we want to take another foster placement, that's not a decision that just my husband and I make any more. We talk to the big kids. Everybody has input on that."
Parents and caregivers who suspect their infant or toddler under age 3 is not meeting their developmental milestones are encouraged to connect with AzEIP for an early intervention assessment.
Gigi is just one example of how therapy services provided by DDD can help an individual enhance their abilities. Learn more about DDD services and supports, or contact your support coordinator.