Rally 4 Reilly
June marks an exciting time of the year for many students and families: it’s graduation season. Students are pondering what outfit to wear underneath their gown, how to decorate their cap, what their quote in the yearbook will be, hopefully they passed that tough science final.
But for Reilly, he had one goal in mind: Walk to receive his diploma. In 2013, Reilly was diagnosed with KCTD7 – a condition so rare that there are only four other known cases in the United States.
Here’s a quick interview with Jamie North Rosploch about this amazing accomplishment.
How do you know Reilly?
I have worked with Reilly since he was seven years old. Throughout this time his abilities have fluctuated, from engaging in functional tasks, to passive involvement, the ability to walk and then to only weight bear. I see Reilly for both medical and school OT services. Reilly had been able to pivot, weight bear and sometimes walk with 2 person assist short distances for the past few years.
When did the goal of walking at graduation come about?
About 1 year ago, we were in a school IEP meeting discussing the excitement of planning graduation attendance within the next year. Reilly was previously told he was not expected to live past 10-years-old. This was a dream his parents never thought would come true. During his meeting, Dad jokingly said, “What if he could walk to get his diploma?!”
Then the real work must have begun, what did that look like?
Myself and the school PT Sally jumped at the chance to set a goal and help him achieve it. We spent every visit from that point on both in school services and medical with home PT Janet Hodge.
Reilly walked on graduation day to receive his diploma. We were all so excited that we were able to be a part of such a huge achievement and memorable moment for this child and his family.
