Hand to Hold's official blog
Stephanie Goley (MA) is the mother of three children, full-time stay-at-home mom, part-time educator and military spouse. Her oldest child, Kai (6) was born full-term, but experienced a birth trauma causing significant brain damage. He spent 17 days in the NICU and is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, dystonia, cortical visual impairment and seizure disorder. He is non-verbal and non-ambulatory, relying on others for all of his basic needs. A second son, Liam (4), daughter Addison (2) and husband Rob (who is a Senior Chief in the US Coast Guard) complete their family. She is interested in fitness and having fun adventures with her family. Stephanie is passionate about creating the best life possible for her son and seeking out alternative therapies to help develop his potential. She is currently adjusting to life on a new coast (transferring from CA to MA), with new specialists and a new climate. You can find Stephanie on Facebook and her personal blog about Kai, written about their family adventures from his perspective.
My seven year old son has cerebral palsy. Along our journey, we have encountered a variety of methods and practices that have helped him get to where he is today. I learned quickly that my greatest resource in searching out alternative methods and treatment was always other parents. Here is our quick reference guide for [...]
As parents, our tendency is to protect our children and solve their problems – sometimes to a fault. Mothers, especially, have a keen sense of being able to predict what their children need, before the children know themselves, and race to provide whatever that need may be. For parents of special needs children this instinct [...]
As a military family, we are typically far away from our extended family over the holidays. We usually take two to four airplane trips each year as family. This year will be no different as we head down to sunny Florida for the Christmas holiday. Our family consists of: mom, dad, Kai (7), Liam (4) [...]
We’ve all heard how important it is to make time for ourselves, exercise and get enough sleep; but saying it and doing it are two different things. For me, exercise is where I have found I get the greatest benefit. Before children I was an avid runner and very amateur triathlete, but after they came along, my priorities were reorganized and I often did not meet my personal exercise “quota”. It did not take long to realize that I had to make exercise a priority in order for my physical, mental and emotional health. Without regular exercise I become moody, cranky and borderline depressed. It is obvious when mom hasn’t had her weekly exercise! Additionally, after having two back spasms in the past year, and not being able to lift my son, who is unable to move himself, it is imperative for me to stay strong and keep my back in good shape so I will be able to “be his legs” for as long as possible. [Read more]
Hand to Hold is a nonprofit 501(c)3 parent support organization and information and resources provided here do not intend to take the place of the relationship between a patient and personal physician.