Lily on her Crawling Track
Our beautiful daughter Liliana Celeste was born with a severe brain-injury that occurred during pregnancy due to a virus called CMV. Her cerebral palsy has caused global developmental delays. Lily was born in 2003. She is learning to crawl, stand, walk, talk, use her hands, problem solve and eat solid food. We work with her 10-12 hours a day to stimulate the recovery of her brain function.
We have been working with her for over 6 years in an Intensive Treatment Program prescribed by The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia (www.IAHP.org) She is progressing and showing improvement continually which encourages our determination to get our daughter well.
Our family travels to Philadelphia, PA from Hollywood, FL every six months to attend Liliana’s Intensive Treatment Program appointment. At the Institutes Liliana is prescribed a specific home program. This program is costly, it requires travel, tuition, custom made equipment, respiratory equipment, specific educational materials and dietary supplements. One parent implements the program at all times.
Lily's Intelligence Program
Liliana’s Program takes place daily from 9am-7:00pm at our home in Hollywood, FL. She has a Physical Program, an Intellectual Program and a Physiological Program focused on respiration and diet. Activities in her program require hours of dedication and space for all of the equipment required.
Lily in her VKE Device
For over 5 years we had a gym set up with much of Lily’s special equipment in the master bedroom of our home. The rest of her equipment was also in the living room. Our home is a villa, approximately 1300 square feet.
Liliana’s program requires space. Her program outgrew our home and we have been able to build a 300 square foot sun-room built to code, thanks to a remodeling program through our city. This has been a dream of our family for many years that we were able to realize in September of 2009 after much determination and perseverance. This extended space will accommodate for all of her needs. All expenses for flooring, windows, lighting, storage and air-conditioning are necessary expenses we need to cover to make her space complete for use all year round.
Our family of four is carrying out the program on one main income, which is a Teacher Salary. My husband who is a dedicated, loving, father has worked as many as 5 jobs to make ends meet. He is a Miami Dade Middle School Science Teacher, Soccer Coach, Tennis Coach, Tutor and Translator. Liliana does not qualify for Social Security Benefits despite her severe disabilities.
Caring for our daughter and implementing her program is a way of life. The best life we can give Lily.
We need your help to continue to recover her brain and to get her well. To give her the opportunity to be a well child.
We are thankful to receive donations and help from family, friends, volunteers, members of the community, nationally and internationally to give Liliana the opportunities she needs to reach her full potential.
"Thank you!"
