Melanie Vreeling

For people living with cerebral palsy.

Moving 10,000 steps a day is one heck of a challenge! But each move will be made easier knowing it's all for a very worthy cause. Every dollar I raise will support life-changing research, treatment, services and asssitive technologies to help people with cerebral palsy. Please help me support this great cause! 

I am stepping for my son Lucas. 

Our story: After a very premature birth, scans show that Lucas suffered a tiny brain bleed (and damage) at some point in those early months while in hospital. (For premies in those first weeks outside the womb, there can be difficulty breathing and receiving enough oxygen, and the brain is very vulnerable.)

It has been a year of suspicion, testing and early therapies. The medical professionals have described Lucas’ cerebral palsy as ‘mild left hemiplegia’. As he is young and still developing, it is still revealing itself and it could be a number of years until we fully understand his abilities but for now we can see it is very mild and we feel fortunate.

Lucas will require a range of therapies (like Physio, OT, hydrotherapy, speech pathology) to train how to undertake usual tasks (like walking and talking) which come naturally to able bodied toddlers.

In all honestly - the road ahead often feels huge.  There has been deep guilt and a million “what ifs”. I am grieving that Lucas’ life will look different to his peers and siblings. I am grieving that it cannot be reversed - there is no surgery option - it will always be about him and us putting in continual effort. I am grieving the time that weekly appointments will take me away from time spent with my other young children, and my work. I am grieving that this is a burden he will carry for his life, and I pray that he will meet kind and inclusive friends who love him for him and see his ability, grit and determination, rather than his limitations. 

The great news is, we have a wonderful team of specialists working along side us, a supportive family and friends, will get access to NDIS and we trust in God’s provision in all of this. Lucas also has the blessing of Sienna, Hendrik and Giselle who I am sure, together, will be the loudest cheer squad of all!

(* Cerebral Palsy or “CP” refers to a range of disorders relating to movement, muscle tone and posture. It is permanent and lifelong, but is not degenerative (does not worsen over time). CP can look different for different people - ranging from a person walking with a limp, to being non-verbal, with intellectual disability, requiring a wheelchair and assistance feeding. There is no cure but therapies, early interventions and aids can do wonders to enable a child to live their best life possible.)