Faces of Cerebral Palsy

As I've mentioned, Valentin has cerebral palsy. He is able to stand with help, but he really needs therapy--and a family to help and encourage him!


What does a diagnosis of cerebral palsy mean? Actually it's sort of an umbrella term. A person with cerebral palsy has damage to the cerebellum, resulting in difficulty with his or her muscles. The most common kind of cerebral palsy is called spastic; it involves muscles that are tight.

Here is Keaton. He turns five next month. Doesn't he have a sweet little face? Keaton has CP and internal hydrocephalus.


Ryland, with his dark hair and dark eyes, has some Roma heritage. He has CP, but he can walk on his own and even climb up the ladder to a playground slide!

CP can be very mild, or more severe. Even someone with mild CP, like Ryland, can benefit from physical therapy.

This beautiful girl is Elena. Although she is visually impaired, her eyes seem to be looking into beautiful things!

Her CP affects her left side more than the right. CP may affect all four limbs, or only one side, or the legs more than the arms.

And look at Stellan! What beautiful dark eyes!


He is in the same orphanage as Valentin, and looks almost as though he could be his younger brother. Stellan will be three next month. *



They all have CP. They all need families. They are all so loved by God.



*friday, 24 June -- Stellan's profile currently isn't viewable on Reece's Rainbow, because the laws about international adoption are being revised in his country. I didn't anticipate that when I wrote about him! But prayers for him are still important!