Otis and his twin brother Eddie were both born prematurely at 25 weeks old. Tragically, Eddie passed away in the first 24 hours of his life and Otis went on to spend months in hospital battling serious complications.
Suffering from two brain bleeds, a serious condition in the gut, holes in his heart, holes in his lungs and numerous fractured bones, Otis was resuscitated countless times in that first year. He was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which means his brain injury affects all four limbs, and he experiences excruciating pain from abnormal muscle tightness that causes erratic movements. His prognosis was bleak and uncertain, and Otis’ parents were told that he would never walk or talk.
Although excited to finally leave hospital with Otis at six months old, the family felt terrified and alone with this tiny, fragile baby away from the security of the doctors and nurses. With a recommendation from a friend, the family started attending Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity for physiotherapy, conductive education and hydrotherapy sessions in July 2023.
Being part of sessions was initially very stressful for Otis; he didn’t want to be touched or interact with other children and couldn’t cope in group sessions. Having been given such a bleak outlook, Otis’ parents didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to give themselves too much hope. A year and a half on, Otis has achieved more than his parents ever dreamt might be possible.
Through his sessions, Otis has begun to progress his gross motor and fine motor skills, using his hands to grip items such as holding a toy in two hands. With full support, he is working on rolling, kneeling, sitting and improving his balance.
He has even begun to try and take some step movements in his sessions – something that his parents could never have imagined him doing when he first started at the charity. Now Otis’ parents are looking at getting him his own supported walker and he’s practicing taking steps at home too.
Now at nursery, his parents are beginning to consider what the future might hold for him at school. As he continues his sessions at DVLCC, the team will continue to support his development, helping him gain as much independence as possible and allowing him future opportunities.
You don’t want to let yourself have hope but I’ve seen Otis do things that I’ve been told he shouldn’t ever have been able to do. The team has been encouraging Otis with his walking and now he is taking steps and getting ready to get a walker. My outlook has changed, and I now think we might get somewhere.” – Otis’ mum, Kayleigh
