Kira Age 4years 7 months                             Photo by Llaesa North

Kira

Kira was born March 18, 2002 along with her twin sister Janelle. They arrived 11 weeks early; Kira weighing 2 lbs. 14 oz. and Janelle weighing 2 lbs 1 oz.. They spent 2 months at BC Children’s Hospital and 1 month at Prince George Regional Hospital before they were able to come home and live with Mom, Dad and older sister, Shonda. At one month Kira was diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL); outside both of her ventricles brain cells had died. This was a devastating blow for Mom and Dad to hear at the time but the news helped us with the reality to come. Janelle was not fairing as well, as she had surgery to close the two valves outside of her heart, a blood transfusion, was intubated for 29 days and because she had a lower weight she had a tougher fight to survive.

Kira loves riding her special needs bike during the summer months as well as therapeutic horse back riding and playing outside with her sisters; but most of all just hanging out with Mom and Dad!!

After 2 months Kira and Janelle were flown to Prince George. The girls slowly gained weight and June 6, 2002 Kira and Janelle were home. The girls have been involved with the Child Development Centre right from the beginning. Llaesa was our physiotherapist and would make home visits along with Carol and Kim who provided speech and occupational therapy. By the time Janelle was 2 she was typical for her age and no longer required therapy. Kira has Cerebral Palsy and therefore has continued her therapy programs through the Child Development Centre.

Kira is a very social able young lady who loves to play with other children and be involved in all activities. She needs to feel secure in strange settings and this can take longer than a typical child, especially if there are loud or high pitched noises. Kira has low tone in her trunk which has left her unable to sit on her own or stand/walk unassisted. The right side of her body is more functional than the left. With her right hand she is able to feed herself and draw with crayons, although the movements she makes can be spastic. Kira is unable to open and close her left hand, but if she wants to get a lid off of a marker she will use her mouth.

Kira has been able to make remarkable progress in her development due to the amazing work of the staff in all the departments of the Child Development Centre. They have been not only wonderful to Kira but a source of both guidance and support to our family. As Kira now enters Kindergraten she will miss all of her friends at the Child Development Centre but will still be followed closely by the Therapy Department Team.

By Jennifer Gowan(mom)