Lily Defies Odds

October 18, 2019

When Lily first came to Elim at the age of three years old, doctors had told her family that she would never be able to walk. That’s why Elim’s staff can’t help but cheer when they see Lily running down Elim’s hallways!

This huge victory came as a result of a lot of hard work and determination.

Lily’s Unstoppable Team

Even before coming to Elim, Lily’s parents enrolled her in physical therapy to help her build physical strength. When she joined Elim’s family, she began working with Elim’s physical therapy team. At that time, Lily was unable to stand, instead traveling through her daily tasks in a Rifton activity chair.

Elim’s team first helped Lily build enough strength to stand using an assisted stander. Next, they worked with her and paired her with a walker to assist her in gaining walking skills. Now, she loves being able to run!

Growing in Many Ways

While Lily’s walking skills are amazing, she’s grown in other ways, too. Now seven years old, Lily has been paired with a communication device to help her express her wants and needs. Her improved communication skills have allowed Lily’s personality to shine.

“Lily is the most joyful little girl I have ever met,” says her teacher, Emily. “She’s rarely upset and is always giggling and making us laugh. She has grown a lot socially since she started at Elim and now engages with her classmates during the school day.”

Currently, Lily is learning to express her likes and dislikes, being encouraged to explain WHY she doesn’t like something by using her device. She is also learning to identify shapes and colors. Her family is thrilled about all of Lily’s new skills!

Lily’s story was featured among others in Elim’s October Equip. Click here to read the rest of the newsletter to see what you helped make happen!