Our success story for our 2023 fall newsletter is Harrison Joseph!
Harrison was just 1 week old when first evaluated at Medical Support Services, having began his journey with us just 2 days after being discharged from the NICU. He started out with PT and OT and eventually Speech Therapy/Feeding. Harrison’s Mom was motivated to start services right away to provide the best support for Harrison and his future development.
When he started feeding therapy with us, he had difficulty chewing food thoroughly, clearing his mouth fully, and using utensils to feed himself. He was previously dependent on G-tube feedings to receive sufficient calories and nutrition, but now he is almost completely weaned off tube feedings!
Harrison born with Holt Oram Syndrome, which affects the development of the heart and the upper extremities. On his right hand, he has a shorter thumb with a smaller web space than usual. On his left arm, he has a shorter radius that was causing his wrist to turn in and did not have a thumb on that hand. He was also born with multiple holes in his heart. In the last 3 years, he has had 5 surgeries to close the holes in his heart, deepen the web space on his right hand, straighten his wrist on his left hand, and even turn his index finger into a thumb on that hand.
“Harrison is an incredible joy to work with. He is always full of imagination and positivity.”
Amie Kramp, Occupational Therapist
Harrison has struggled with hitting almost all of his major milestones on time which can be super stressful for a parent, especially when they are already dealing with the stress that comes with having a child with various medical conditions.
“Harrison’s therapists have always been so supportive throughout the last 3 years and have always made his therapy appointments fun for him and not feel like a regular medical appointment! In the beginning it was a really big adjustment for him with working through tummy time and crawling but he has grown to love his appointments and his therapists! He has worked so hard and it’s so crazy seeing how much he has truly grown from when he first started to now. He will start 4k next year and I was a little nervous about if he will be ready since he has hand differences from other kids. He has been working so hard with his OT Jenni on how to hold crayons and other school supplies, I know he will do great. I am so thankful for MSS and everything they have done to help Harrison navigate through his milestones and ensure he is where he needs to be. Harrison was discharged from PT and Speech therapy as well since he eats 95% of his diet by mouth now!! It will be a very bittersweet day when he is completely discharged from their facility!”
Ashley Joseph, Harrison’s Mom
A little before his second birthday, Harrison was walking laps around the clinic and was ready for discharge. Now he is hard to keep up with! He runs, rides a bike, and plays on the playground in the therapy gym and with his friends. He is also now independent with feeding himself using a fork and spoon.
Harrison and his parents diligently attended all recommended services and routinely completed his home exercise program, working towards a shared goal of maximizing Harrison’s independence. They have truly pushed Harrison to his full potential!
