Colbie: CP Warrior
Colbie was born a twin at just 23 weeks weighing only one pound two ounces. The twins were immediately sent to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RWJBarnabas Health's Monmouth Medical Center, where tragically Bennet died two days later. Colbie remained in the NICU fighting for her life. "She suffered a bilateral brain bleed," shares Amanda. "She had a grade 3, grade 4 bleed and she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus."
After 153 days in the NICU, Colbie was able to go home, but Colbie's parents were not sure what the future held for their little girl," I remember the doctor telling us that they don't know what Colbie's quality of life would be like. We just didn't know what to expect."
Colbie started with early intervention and outpatient physical therapy early on to stay on top of her development. After about three years of therapy, her pareents ultimately made the decision to switch to Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH). After making the switch, Colbie received the official diagnosis that along with Hydrocephalus, she has cerebral palsy (CP), which affects her ability to move and maintain balance and posture. "We started noticing early on that Colbie was experiencing some delays in her legs and on her left side, so when we did get the CP diagnosis, it didn't come as a huge shock," shares Amanda, Colbie's mom.
Sassy and sharp as a tack, Colbie is a happy kid who doesn't slow down. "Colbie loves to just run and jump around with the neighbors kids," said Amanda. She also walks with her walker alongside her great-grandmother, who also uses a walker. "When we went to visit my Nanny over the summer, she asked Colbie if she wanted to go for a walk. Colbie looked at her and said 'I sure do!' and they were off! Even more recently we were visiting and Colbie was using her crutches and loved that Nanny was using her cane, too. They have a special bond."