Tadeáš was born along with his brother Lukáš on 22 April 2008 in the 34th week of pregnancy. The pregnancy was terminated because of significant weight differences, zero blood flow indicated by a Doppler ultrasound scan and a suspicious CTG reading. Tadeáš and Lukáš weighed 1,690 and 2,700 grams respectively. After a month in a premature baby ward we went home with healthy children. We attended scheduled check-ups in the Motol Hospital, in the neurology ward and in the premature baby centre. All seemed to be fine at that time. When the boys were six months old, our paediatrician decided it was time to inoculate Tadeáš. Our lives changed completely during the next check-up in the Motol Hospital on 25 November 2008. Tadeáš was diagnosed with cerebral palsy quadruparesis. We were told that he would remain bedridden. This was followed by a multitude of check-ups by specialists and intensive rehabilitation using the Vojta method. After rehabilitation in the Arpida centre, Tadeáš was able to turn to his belly unaided for the first time at the age of one and a half years. Later on, Tadeáš was diagnosed with cortical vision impairment and astigmatism. An electroencephalographic examination revealed he was also epileptic (but he has not received any therapy or suffered any seizure to date).
Today, Tadeáš attends ordinary kindergarten with a teacher’s assistant. In September, he is starting first grade at the Roztoky primary school with an assistant’s help. His current diagnosis is cerebral palsy diparesis with quadrupyramidal symptomatology and accentuation on the right limbs, cortical vision impairment, hyperopia oc. sin. and myopia oc. dx.
He can use a mechanical wheelchair on his own, does not need diapers and can eat with a small spoon. He can communicate without problems (R and Ř are the only letters he cannot pronounce). Fine motor skills and writing (drawing) remain a big problem. We regularly exercise at home. Having previously used the Vojta method only, we started the TheraSuit exercises in September 2014. We have since underwent three rehabilitation sessions and were surprised at the progress Tadeáš has made and at the strength in his trunk, legs and hands. We bought a special bicycle for him to train his legs. We attend hippotherapy two to four times a week and go to intensive week-long hippotherapy in summer. If his health permits so, we swimming at a pool at least once a week. Lukáš, his twin brother, helps Tadeáš a lot. Tadeáš gets a great deal of motivation from him and tries to catch up, be it in learning, skills or mischief. And the last thing is what he really excels in.
In 2014, we got Tadeáš a new wheelchair, which was partly paid for, after several appeals, by his insurance company. In return, we had to buy his old pram from the insurance company. We also bought a reconditioned training bicycle for him. We attended intensive summer hippotherapy in Strážné several times and Tadeáš spent the beginning of this summer at his second hippotherapy camp organised by Caballinus. In September 2014, we tried the TheraSuit therapy in the Hájek Centre for the first time and repeated the session in December. He had the third therapy this spring.
While it would be amazing, it is not my goal for Tadeáš to walk. I want him to lead as self-reliant a life as possible and not to be dependent on the help of others. I want him to be able to get on and off his wheelchair. I want him to be able to get dressed, eat and do some basic hygiene with limited assistance. Tadeáš has decided to play ice hockey and learn skating. He enjoys horse-riding and playing with dogs. He also likes music and fairy tales. Karel Gott is among his favourite singers. When we are in the car, he loves listening to Lucie and their song Medvídek, No Name, Tomáš Klus and Xindl X. He also enjoys playing with Lego and toy cars. Tadeáš is excited about the radio-controlled lorry he wanted for Christmas. Just like his brother Lukáš last year, he got a schoolbag and a pencil case for his birthday and is truly looking forward to starting school. This spring, we bought Tadeáš a new special tricycle which he loves to ride and race with his brother.
We would be happy to visit the Hájek Centre at least twice this year (a two-week therapy is about CZK 47,000 plus the cost of everyday car travel to Šťáhlavice). In summer, we would love to attend the intensive therapy in Strážné (a one-week stay is CZK 5,250 plus lodging at CZK 900/night for me and both boys plus meals).
The Foundation for Premature Children and Their Families is the only charity in the Czech Republic to provide financial assistance to families to cover the cost of care for premature children. With the Foundation’s help, we were able to attend a two-week TheraSuit therapy this year and buy a special child seat for Tadeáš worth CZK 6,145. This assistance is extremely beneficial for the development of our boy and we believe it will bring more progress.