Jake L. - Quilt Finished in 2009
Born: June 10, 2002
Illness: Dandy Walker Variant, CP, Developmental delay
A Thank You From Jake's Family!
3/11/09
I received the quilt this morning. Thank you so much. I have read from other parents who received their quilts that the quilts were more beautiful than they imagined, so I was prepared to see something amazing. But what I saw was even more amazing than what I was prepared for. Words can not express how thankful we are to have this quilt, and the love that is represented by the quilt. We will cherish it forever.
Sincerely, Jenna and Jake
Jake L.'s Story
Written by Jake's mom Jenna in May 2008
Jake has a neurological condition know as dandy-walker variant. The main abnormality found in DWV is an underdeveloped cerebellum. The cerebellum is an area in the back, bottom part of the brain that plays an important role in movement and coordination. A partial absence of the corpus callosum is common in DWV, and sadly, it is the case with Jake. Corpus callosum is a large band of nerve fibers in the brain that help the two sides of the brain communicate with each other. As a result, Jake’s gross motor, fine motor, as well as language skills are profoundly delayed due to his neurological underdevelopments. While he is able to retain new skills and maintain existing ones, he requires intensive repetition and practice in order to do so.
Jake receives weekly physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and from not being able to stand, walk, or feed himself, with little receptive and none expressive language, Jake is now able to stand and walk with his walker, feed himself, his receptive language has improved a great deal, including being able to identify all 26 letters. Jake also knows most of his shapes and is starting to be able to count 1-10 using his augumentative communication device. We accredit all of these developmental milestones to all the people who have helped Jake in the past 6 yeas, they include countless doctors, therapists, teachers, care givers, grandparents, friends and family. Their love and support are our rock.
