Children Featured This Month

 

Please Meet Zachary

D.O.B.  Oct. 15 1995
Zachary first appeared on our web page June 26th 2000.
 
 

Zachary is a four-year-old boy who is suffering from encephalitis, Cerebral palsy and blindness.

Zachary first became ill at the age of four months when his mom took him to emergency for fever and bronchitis. At that time he showed signs of unexplained seizures and irritability.  All the regular testing was done along with a CAT scan and lumbar puncture and all came back negative. Zachary was then given drugs to control the seizures. He was given Phenobarb over fifteen minutes and Dilantin.  Valium in his IV and then followed by Lorazepam.  Again he went into seizure and was apneic.  At that time he was intubated nasally.   At first doctors presumed that his neurological insult was either due to encephalitis or possibly hypoxia.  Zachary again went through a barrage of tests to find out what was wrong with him. At four months he was even having problems tolerating his formula.  After several days of medications and tests Zachary was finally able to tolerate his bottle without aspiration.  When Zachary was discharged from the hospital the final evaluation was severe neurological impairment.  His prognosis was undetermined at that time with some changes in the cerebral edema over time.

Throughout the next 3 years Zachary had many medical changes in his life. His meds were regulated and Cerebral palsy was diagnosed. Zachary also had a very traumatic experience in that time with his mother passing away in an automobile accident. For Zachary his whole world was falling apart. His Grandparents stepped in and fought for custody of their precious grandson.  At the age of four Zachary now lives in a very stable and loving environment with his grandparents.  Zachary is age four but has the mental capacity of an 8-month-old child. He cannot feed himself with utensils and is just beginning to speak. Saying very few words. Mama being one, which makes his grandmothers eyes light up every time she hears it.  Zachary can go from a sitting position to a kneeling position with support.  He is able to roll on the floor and use a walker and is starting to place one foot after another.  Zachary has been involved with an ongoing special needs worker and day care worker.

During his last medical check up in April 2000. Doctors confirmed that Zachary’s left hip is dislocated but intervention is not recommended at this time. Orthopedic surgeons are hoping surgery can be put off for one or two years. Zachary continues to go to Day Care three times a week and is registered to start school in the fall.  While other four-year-old boys go out to run and play ball Zachary is confined to a wheel chair and his walker. With the mentality of an eight-month-old child Zachary has many stepping stones ahead of him. With the ongoing love and devotion from his grandparents, Zachary’s stepping-stones will be milestones in this loving household.

Zachary has received gifts from Aladin Kids wish program and enjoys toys that make noises. He enjoys swings, writing and cars. Zachary is a very affectionate child who requires 24-hour care. Zachary shows his love tenfold with hugs and cuddles. Wherever Zachary is, his special security blanket is close by with him. Please let this precious little boy and his grandparents know that others do care. Please send a card today! Zachary’s grandparents are French and would appreciate any correspondence be done in French if possible.

Any Mail for Zachary can be sent to the following Address:

Zachary J.
c/o Smilesnhugs
70 C Mountjoy St N.
Suite 315
Timmins Ont.
P4N-4V7