His back was to the kitchen in Rancho de los Nino’s Children’s Home. He watched Ada, a volunteer at the home, as she got up. His big, brown eyes followed her until she walked out of his line of sight. He heard her enter the kitchen to prepare his lunch. He slowly leaned back as far as he could go in his wheelchair to see her. His caregiver laughed and turned him around towards the kitchen, and he smiled at Ada.
A year ago, Miguel* wasn’t able to maintain eye contact with things or people moving around him, and he rarely exhibited emotion when someone was near. “His improvement has been remarkable to see,” shared Back2Back staff. “He was lucky to hold a few seconds of visual contact, but now objects and people are holding his attention for several minutes.”
Ada isn’t the only one who Miguel follows. He’s beginning to recognize people, smiling when someone he knows enters the room, or a favorite character comes on the TV. “He loves Johnny Bravo,” staff shared, laughing. “When Johnny Bravo comes on TV, Victor is alert and more animated than we’ve ever seen him.”
His eyesight is not the only improvement. Remaining confined to his chair used to create a great deal of distress and discomfort for him. “One year ago, Miguel couldn’t sit up by himself. He often had to be secured into his chair to avoid slumping, but now he sits up on his own, for multiple hours at a time,” shared staff. “He’s also sitting completely by himself on the floor.” Additionally, he is learning to chew his food, allowing for a more balanced and nutritious diet. He is also identifying safe people and welcoming them into his space.
Young Miguel continues to defy the odds and prove his willpower is strong, His God is stronger, and his disabilities don’t define him.
*Names have been changed to protect the children