Curtis Stephens longed to be a typical 11-year-old, doing the things that young boys do like running, skateboarding and playing basketball. But his doctors and physical therapists had given up hope, saying that the young man would never take more than a few shaky steps due to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. Currently there is no cure for CP, and treatment involves therapy, special equipment and surgery.
Curtis was determined to defy his prognosis and to throw down his crutches. With a determined heart and mind, Curtis told everyone he would walk again. Little did Curtis or his doctors imagine that his hope would come in the form of a typical skateboard. Curtis had received the skateboard from Children’s Fund during the Annual Celebration of Giving Campaign. Each year, through the combined efforts of many, Children’s Fund is able to ensure that over 30,000 at-risk children in San Bernardino County receive a gift during the month of December. Each gift serves as a reminder to the vulnerable at-risk youth served by the campaign that they are never forgotten.
Children’s Fund, and even Curtis, could not have envisioned how life-changing a single skateboard could become. “He practices around three hours a day,” said physical therapist Lori Dean. “He just has so much drive.” Three months after receiving the skateboard, 11-year-old Curtis’ gross motor skills began to improve. Previously able to walk only five steps, the boy, quickly passed 10 steps, then 20 and 30, and even the 50-step mark. "Doctors said he was able to accomplish strengthening his legs because of his desire to ride a skateboard," Rebecca Stafford, Executive Director of Children’s Fund, recalls. "He wore out his old board. For him, it was about muscle strength and balance."
There is real hope that Stephens’ dream of walking without crutches may someday come true. “We were pretty much resigned that he wasn’t going to walk,” said his mother Cathy Croel. “Now I think he’s going to walk, all because of a skateboard.”
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Last Updated May 19, 2008 |
