This week Gabrielle is attending an 8 day constraint induced therapy camp organized by Holly Holland, an occupational therapist at UNC, Chapel Hill. Here is a short article which describes her motivation and vision for the camp.

Today is Gabby’s fourth day and I am so impressed with the effort being put forth to help kids with hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body). There are 33 children here this week who struggle with hemiplegia. The hemiplegia in most cases resulted from a stroke although a few are the result of brain malformations, surgery, or trauma. Every child was casted ahead of time and a bivalve cast was made for the unaffected arm. This cast is worn each day on the “good” arm to necessitate use of the affected arm during countless camp activities. Each child is matched with a “helper” who in most cases is an OT/PT student. The campers are broken down into age appropriate groups and then each group rotates in and out of different rooms where activites are organized to facilitate use of the hemiplegic arm. Several of the camp days incorporate a specific theme like “space day” or “luau day” and then all of the activites and snacks revolve around this theme. Many parents and therapists are here volunteering throughout the day helping with campers or prepping crafts, snacks, and activities.

Camp runs for 6 hours each day and the first day I was worried it would be too much for my little Gabby who still enjoys an afternoon nap. One hour before quitting time I was becoming a wreck wondering how she was surviving. I was afraid to check-in on her knowing that if she saw my face that would be the end! Just when I was most panicked a kind grandfather of another camper came by and said,”I just met Gabby and she is delightful!” “You mean she’s doing okay?!” I responded. “Oh, she’s doing great!”, he assured me. Gabby has continued to do well thus far. She was a bit hesistant to leave my side this morning because I think she’s wiped but once she saw her “buddy” Lindsey she came to life. Lindsey has been so wonderful with Ms. Gabby. She is so full of life, beautiful smile, energetic, and bubbly. The perfect match for my sweet girl.

Each day at 3:00pm the little campers ages 3-10 come marching down the hall with their helpers, beaming with pride. My eyes well with tears as I watch each of the proud campers find their way to Mom or Dad presenting them with crafts and doodads from the day. Each of these children and their parents chosen to shoulder special challenges and fighting their way to succeed.

Here is a picture of Gabby with her super duper student therapist Lindsey:


Constraint Therapy video from UAB