Christine Egan Physical Therapy
Christine’s Pediatric Physical Therapy Blog:
The Valentine Family – Rolling with the Punches
“1 in 26 people have Epilepsy and that makes me special even though it can be scary sometimes,” says Levi Valentine, age 13. “I think that my Epilepsy makes me a stronger person.”
Danny Miller: Diagnosis Detective
In 2016 Danny Miller discovered The Undiagnosed Disease Network. It was a bright spot in his long search for answers regarding his sons’ undiagnosed condition. Hearing doctors diagnose that their children have a rare, neurodegenerative, genetic disease would shock most parents. But for Danny, finding out his sons Carson, 8 years old, and Chase Miller, 7 years old, had MEPAN Syndrome in February of 2018 provided some relief.
Sawyer: A Champion on and off the Track
Sawyer was born with Marie-Chacot-Tooth Disease, which causes chronic weakness in the muscles of the hands and feet. She had a three inch leg discrepancy that required surgery and a flexible scoliosis. But with unshakeable determination, she rebounded to join the Junior US National Cycling Team.
Janna Barkin: Raising and Supporting a Trans Child
Janna Barkin exemplifies the definition of the transgender ally, through her book on the subject, leading parent support groups, parent coaching, lecturing and more. But’s personal for her. Janna’s son Amaya (shown here as a child) is transgender.
Rhett Krawitt: Vaccination Advocate
During the height of the 2015 measles outbreak, Rhett Krawitt could not get vaccinated because of his battle against leukemia. Chemotherapy had severely compromised his immune system. Now 12-year-old Rhett says, “that with this pandemic, I feel like people are going to get vaccinated because somebody they know is going to get sick or die from the virus.”
The Kelly’s: A Strong Family Foundation
The Kelly’s two sons were being treated by Christine for developmental delays, and were later diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, the disease that would come to define the whole family.
Caroline Schmidt: True Grit
Caroline Schmidt was just two months removed from her Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery, and her big performance as LeFou in Beauty and the Beast was looming. The director altered her choreography to accommodate her post-surgical physical limitations But on the night of the performance, her dancing wowed the audience.
Audrey: It’s Not Where You Start It’s Where You Finish
Sheila Tuck’s confidence in her daughter, Audrey, did not fully solidify until she began Kindergarten. Sheila had specifically asked the physical education teacher to keep a close watch on Audrey. After all, her daughter had only been walking upright for about three years, and was still wearing her orthotic braces to improve her stability. But Sheila’s worrying ceased once she received a call from the PE teacher, saying he noticed nothing wrong with Audrey.
Sofia & Jacquie: A Dynamic Duo
Ever since her daughter Sofia’s Cerebral Palsy diagnosis, Jacquie Robison has made it her mission to bring out the best in her daughter. Together they are a dynamic duo.
Jack Lawson: Embracing a New Perspective
Before applying to Harvard Business School, Jack Lawson never seriously considered Cerebral Palsy’s influence on his life.
Zoe Epstein: Empowered & Independent
Zoe Epstein has practiced karate since she was five, graduated from high school, attended college classes and wants to be an advocate for disability rights.
Kellen: Commanding the Strike Zone
As Kellen Smith commands the strike zone from the pitcher’s mound, or sprints up and down the basketball court, he provides little evidence of the physical and emotional journey he and his family has been through.
