Issue 213 Spring 2016 - Natasha's Story, Phoenix Centre

Natasha, 17, came to the Phoenix Centre with her hands permanently affixed together and her head hung low. She did not interact with others and if she did it was through strained and halting speech. She struggled to sit up by herself and participate with teachers, assistants, and other children. Only six months have passed, and the difference seen in Natasha today is incredible.

Through daily physical activity with the Phoenix Centre team, Natasha can now sit by herself. She claps along to songs, motions to people and objects, and can even grasp small items and move them with limited difficulty.

Natasha will immediately light up a room when she enters with her big smile. Whilst her speech can be slightly difficult to understand, she can make her needs known as well as convey her thoughts and opinions. She loves to chat with anyone who is close to her.

The most amazing change is in the development of a clever and playful personality. She will tell jokes and tease, and has quickly become an avid draughts player! When a visitor comes to the Centre, she will gladly challenge them to a quick match and will probably beat them within a few moves.

It would be hard to imagine her as such a wonderful and joy-filled person without the interactions with staff and visitors, and the one-on-one physical care she receives at the Centre. 

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