Melady Negron | Children's Specialized Hospital | Children's Specialized Hospital

Melady Negron is a sweet, spunky five-year-old who is always seems to have a smile on her face. Born prematurely at 26 weeks, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP), a neuromuscular disorder caused by damage to the brain around the time of birth or early life. Melady’s early intervention team recommended she start occupational, physical and speech therapies at Children’s Specialized, the country’s largest provider of pediatric medical rehabilitation.

CP can be a scary diagnosis for any parent to hear. It affects muscle coordination, motor development, movement, reflexes and balance and can range from mild to severe. Children and adolescents with CP benefit from Children’s Specialized’s multidisciplinary team of experts in physiatry, neurology, developmental medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, behavioral health, audiology, nutrition, augmentative communication and rehabilitation technology. Treatment can help maximize function, independence and quality of life.

Melady has been a patient for over two years, at Children’s Specialized. Her family, doctors and therapists are incredibly proud of the progress she makes every day. In October 2017, Melady underwent Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery to help relieve the spasticity and pain in her muscles. Melady’s family chose the Post-Surgical Program at Children’s Specialized in New Brunswick, NJ. The program is designed to ensure children can transition from operative care to intensive post-operative rehabilitation based on their individual needs. The ultimate goal is improved mobility and the potential for an independent life.

Following surgery, Melady spent two months inpatient. Jahnelly, Medlay’s mother, is appreciative of the care she received.

“The doctors and therapists, both inpatient and outpatient, are amazing. They emphasize hard work and fun,” said Jahnelly. “She has come so far and I’m truly amazed when I think back to when we first came to Children’s Specialized. Melady still uses her wheelchair, but is walking more and more. She can now stand without support and sometimes prefers to use her walker as a runner! Her ultimate goal is to walk on her own.”

Dr. Fantasia, Director of General Rehabilitation Programs at Children’s Specialized Hospital notes that, “Children’s has the newest and best treatment modalities for post-surgical recovery, including Zero-G, a new technology that promotes motor skill development like standing and walking, vertical treadmill rock climbing for muscular development and GaitRite technology to analyze balance.”

Today, Melady receives outpatient therapy in Mountainside, NJ working to improve her physical independence. She especially enjoys aquatic therapy with Kathy Murphy, PT., DPT. “Melady loves a challenge and has a great competitive spirit, said Kathy Murphy. “We work hard in her therapy sessions and she always gives it her all.” She is proud of the progress Melady has made.

This fall Melady will start the first grade with her sister Lia. “Melady doesn’t see herself as different as the other kids in her class,” said Jahnelly. “She gets frustrated when she can’t play on the playground like her friends. I think it makes her work harder in therapy sessions. With the help of her team at Children’s Specialized Hospital, I know that one day she will do what all the other kids are doing.”