Susan Benlazar was born prematurely on July 26th, 2005. She was put on life support just minutes after she entered this world.
“Mrs. Benlazar, I’m sorry to tell you this but your child will be severely disabled for the rest of her life. She will never walk or develop typically,” the attending pediatrician told her mother.
Mrs. Benlazar burst into tears. For years, the Benlazars had yearned for this child. Mrs. Benlazar and her husband struggled to come to terms with the heartbreaking news. What was to be done? Who could help their child?
After a few days in intensive care, little Susan was referred to Metrochildren early intervention services. Susan was evaluated and was approved to receive services in a number of different disciplines. Metrochildren occupational therapist Tina Reynolds remembers the first time she saw baby Susan: “Susan was in her crib with a multitude of wires and tubes attached to her tiny body; she never made a sound and had her eyes closed most of the time. The house was thick with depression and despair. The mother’s face was grim and swollen from constant tears, her misery was overwhelming. ‘Will my daughter ever walk?’ she asked, terrified of what the answer may be.”
Cautiously and carefully, Tina picked up Susan.
“Please help me to help your little one,” she whispered. And Susan did.
Mrs. Benlazar was still afraid for her baby daughter. “Please don’t break her,” she cried from across the room.
Susan was a little fighter. Her therapy sessions were intense and filled with urgency to reach her maximum potential. Day in and day out she pushed harder and harder. Susan’s treatments and success rates were constantly discussed by physical therapist Sam Norton and occupational therapist Elaine Showe. Her milestones in returning to health were slow to occur, but were nevertheless achieved. Visits back to Susan’s pediatrician would prompt astonishment from the once dismally pessimistic doctor. Still, the doctor insisted on curbing his expectation. “Don’t keep your hopes high,” he said.
Still, month after month Susan improved; and finally the doctors relented on their prognosis.
Susan’s habilitation period lasted three years. Following her treatment she moved into CPSE and eventually into first grade. Today Susan has grown by leaps and bounds. She is typically developing and walking.
“I am not an idealist,” says occupational therapist Tina, “but I always strive for perfection. There is no other way. It is extremely gratifying and empowering to be able to give the likes of the little Susan the quality of life otherwise rudely denied. I am not unique in my stand, every fellow therapist I know always gives it a full-hearted good-old-college-try, without throwing the towel in, and that is a great recipe for success.”
You can be part of making miracles at Metrochildren. Full time, part time, and independent contract employment opportunities are available for occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, physical therapists, clinical psychologists, and special instructors in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
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All names have been changed for privacy.
