Blaise ‘suits up’ to help body make discoveries
LAST year, three-year-old Blaise Wyatt received a special treatment for his severe cerebral palsy in the United States.
This year, the therapist came to him.
The TheraSuit Method, which involves a special orthotic suit, is offered at clinics in the United States and Europe but is not available in Australia.
Blaise's parents Dawn and Cameron noticed great improvement in his movement and ability to focus after his Michigan trip, and decided to fundraise and save to bring TheraSuit therapist Nico Pisanti, from the Pediatric Fitness Center, to Ipswich.
Blaise will today finish his course, after a gruelling six weeks of sessions.
"It was tough," Ms Mackenzie-Wyatt said.
"He started crying every morning because it's exhausting.
"You almost want to scoop them up when they're sad but you have to be strong."
Mr Pisanti said the TheraSuit supported Blaise through his exercises.
"As a therapist, I see changes," he said.
"It's not about skills, but to me he's a different kid; he's using his right side more now."
Ms Mackenzie-Wyatt said the treatment was great in the long run.
"We haven't seen big changes, but that happened about 1.5 weeks after the Michigan trip, when he had time to absorb everything," she said.
She said it was fascinating to watch Blaise become aware of his muscles and joints.
Readers can contribute to Blaise's fundraising campaign online by searching for "Blaise" in the "Search for Families" section at developing foundation.org.au. Email Blaise's family at teamblaise@yahoo.com.au to find out more.
