Julia Will To Walk
On August 29, 2009, the best thing of my life happened. I gave birth to the most adorable twins Julia and Jalal. My twins were born pre-mature at 25 weeks and my girl was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at birth. Five years passed and in addition to her physical challenges, Julia's mental health suffered in a country which offers very limited opportunities to a child with disability such as cerebral palsy. School authorities in Lebanon refused to enrol Julia in school just because of her wheelchair. She used to be so quiet and very reserved and cautious around people.
On June 22, 2015, I was able to bring my children to Canada, seeking opportunities especially for Julia who was disadvantaged in her home country. When I arrived to Calgary airport with my twins, I did not know anyone. Since then, Julia has gone from deep despair to being energetic and very hopeful. She immediately started learning and speaking two languages, English and Arabic. She is so delighted to be attending school in full inclusion, sharing the same class with her brother as she has always dreamed. She also started smiling and greeting people that she meets in the mall and in other facilities. Her self-esteem and sense of belonging, safety, and happiness is flourishing everyday. Doctors back home, repeatedly said that Julia will never walk and her condition should be accepted as is. They justified their claims by saying that cerebral palsy causes damage in brain cells which has no treatment.
On Dec. 27, 2015 Julia traveled with me to the United State from Calgary. With the support and generosity of community members and friends, Julia made had her first surgery and now she can stand on flat feet (were she used to stand on her toes), and her legs crossing was reduced. On Nov. 16, 2016, Julia made her first steps using her walker, which is a great achievement for her.
Julia is an incredibly amazing and self motivated girl who is very determined and has a winning and contagious smile. Julia's dream is to walk , dance , stand on her legs and make unaided steps. Doctors said Julia will never walk. She has had several surgeries, her last one was last year (SPML) in Texas.
Julia is now preparing for a major surgery, a spinal operation which will end the spasticity in her muscles and will enable her to have more mobility and improve her body movement, speech and ability to concentrate. Julia, a seven years old girl, taught us the meaning of challenge, determination, patience and persistence. Julia has more than 700 follower on her facebook page who track her progress. She is an inspiration for many parents of kids with special needs. Previous feelings of pity from others towards her transformed into that of respect, encouragement and hope. I’m a very proud mother who trusts that you can achieve miracles when you believe and Julia clearly follows my steps.
you can follow Julia on her facebook page :
https://www.facebook.com/Julias-Challenging-Journey-1472778433038238/
You can support julia on :
www.gofundme.com/julias-dream-to-walk
