Side By Side With Natalia

Natalia’s story is one of perseverance and working side by side with community agencies and resources to reach success. Let’s hear from Natalia’s mom, Elizabeth, to learn more about her story and the role of Early Intervention …

“We could not be more pleased with the progress Natalia has made through Early Intervention. What an amazing group of people, with endless resources, exercises, and advice to guide us along the way.

After being born with cancer, Natalia wasn’t able to come home for 10 very LONG months. Having been trached, using a feeding tube since birth, and side effects from chemo and radiation, she came home fairly “behind.” We instantly got hooked up with an Early Intervention Specialist and quickly went to work. Utilizing the exercises and activities she provided us, Natalia quickly made incredible progress. Before we knew it she mastered all the skill sets needed, graduating out of intervention. At this time, we were so blessed to transfer her care to an Occupational Therapist, who we cannot thank enough. She has been helping us tackle the feeding issues that came with her pretty significant oral aversion and sensitive gag reflux. We couldn’t even touch her mouth without her throwing up. With her wisdom and knowledge, we have seen amazing results.

Natalia is now eating the majority of her food by mouth, accepting thicker consistencies and we are working on lumpier textures. She now LOVES brushing her teeth and I cannot even remember the last time she threw up. What a blessing this organization has been! For those who know Natalia, they cannot believe that she was ever even in the hospital that long. Watching her, she seems like a normal, healthy 2-year-old. Thanks Early Intervention!“

We are so proud of Natalia and everyone involved in her journey! To learn more about EI services, please visit https://lakebdd.org/early-intervention-program/.