A Very Big Thank You

Well, it's been about 3 weeks since Noah and I have been back from NapaCenter. And now that I've had a chance to catch up on everything at home, and get our family back into a daily routine, I wanted to take the opportunity to share my experience at NapaCenter.

But first, I want to extend my arms out to all of you with a giant hug and thank you all so much for your support and help. This blog and fundraising effort was not an easy thing for us to do. But you all have truly brought tears to my eyes with your amazing outpouring of heartwarming sentiments and generous contributions for Noah.

NapaCenter was a wonderful place for Noah. It was literally a therapy "bootcamp" for him. He worked so hard and was so motivated - even when he was tired and crying he was still trying his best. The intense therapy has definitely made him stronger - he has better head control and is bearing weight better with his arms and legs. NapaCenter is an amazing place; from the advanced technology and equipment, to the family friendly (yet very hardworking) therapists - it is truly a goldmine for special needs children like Noah. Thank you all!!!!!

Our last night in L.A.

The last week up in L.A. we stayed at the Westin Hotel. Check out Noah in the "Heavenly Beds"! (Napa Center had a great discount program with them and they were right across the street from the center).

Napa Center Graduation Ceremony

Did I mention what an amazing staff Napa Center has??? At the end of the 3 week session the group of children gather to form a band, each playing a different instrument (Noah on the bongos). All the kids and parents sang together. Then the therapists congratulated each student and shared their greatest accomplishments throughout the 3 weeks. So beautiful! (Note: even though Noah missed the second week they allowed him to participate in the ceremony b/c they knew he was going to finish two weeks later). Noah also received a Certificate of Completion for the Intensive Therapy and a Certificate of Recognition for the Tomatis Program for his efforts.

Magical Hands

Noah also had the priviledge of seeing Dr. Charlie Martone (http://www.dedicatedwellness.com/ ) at NapaCenter. Dr. Charlie is a chiropractor but specializes in cranial sacral techniques. Noah was in heaven with him!!!

Tomatis Based Auditory Program

Noah spent 1 1/2 hours a day participating in this program (in addition to the 4 hours of therapy). You can see he has head phones on - listening to either music or myself (mom) reading stories and singing. But the Tomatis program enables the sounds to come into the ears in such a way to specifically strengthen the inner ears. The inner ear stimlates the vestibule which controls balance, muscle tone, coordination...... very fascinating. While Noah is wearing the headphones he is usually also participating in some type of sensory or motor play which you see in the pictures (Check out the Didgeridoo!!!!!)

Not So Happy Moments

Just had to show a few of these....

The Monkey Cage

Here Noah is in the Monkey Cage. The therapist is working to strengthen targeted muscles in his legs using 2 lb. weights with pulleys. To learn more about all this equipment, see NapaCenter's website: www.napacenter.org

The Exercise Ball

Here Noah is standing at the exercise ball (in his NeuroSuit) and doing alot of weight-bearing on his arms and legs. He loves the ball (we have one at home also) so this is his favorite activity even though it is alot of work for him.

The NeuroSuit

This is Noah in the NeuroSuit. This is one of the various forms of cutting technology Napa Center is known for in the Intensive Model of Therapy. The suit is heavy and has hooks throughout so the therapists can attach bungee cords to whatever area they want. The Suit can provide support and resistance simultaneously. It can reduce undesired reflexes, facilitate proper movement, and provides additional weight bearing.

"Spider Cage"

This is Noah in the Spider Cage at Napa (part of the MultiFunctional Therapy Unit - MTU). You can see 4 bungee cords attached to him (at a belt around his waist) and the cage. The cords help keep him positioned correctly while the therapist works with him on sitting, head control, and weight-bearing on his arms and shoulders. Looks simple but is a lot of work for Noah and very tiring. BTW - This is referred to as the spider cage due to 8 bungees usually being used to assist the patient.

Morning Stretches at Napa

Every morning the therapists would start Noah off with stretches. This would relax his tight muscles and reduce the occurance of injury and ATNR (asymmetrical tonic neck reflex) - a primitive reflex that Noah still elicits.