Faces of Erinoak
Courtney's Story
There are runners, cowboy boots and sandals in Courtney Gibson's closet. For many young girls, it's the usual fair in footwear, but for 10-year-old Courtney, these shoes are coveted treasures.
Courtney never owned shoes before. She could never wear shoes before. Courtney has waited her whole life for shoes. Last year, she lost her legs and got some shoes.
It may sound odd but Courtney's legs have been a hindrance since she was born with sacral agenesis. The rare disorder caused her spine to stop growing at T12, about the midway point. Since birth, Courtney has been a paraplegic and her legs and feet, despite two operations, curled awkwardly beneath her. While Courtney became expert at scooting along on her hands, her legs often got in the way and she landed on her face. Even sitting in a wheelchair has been a problem.
In August 2005, doctors decided to amputate Courtney's legs at the knees. "It was the best thing they ever did," says mom Julie. "She's so happy."
The amputation meant Courtney could be fitted with prosthetics, which sparked an outpouring of generosity by students at the high school where Julie works in the cafeteria. The money raised is being held in trust for Courtney's future equipment needs.
At an inpatient rehabilitation centre, Courtney learned to use her new legs and it was there she unwrapped her first pair of big girl shoes – the runners. They were a surprise gift from mom.
"She was thrilled. I cried."
They were told it would take five weeks for Courtney to become comfortable with her new legs but within an incredible nine days, the spunky youngster could stand, sit, and walk.
It's this spunk that has driven a tiny Courtney to stand tall, long before she received legs. And it's this spunk that has inspired all who know the 31-pound girl, including Erinoak therapists who have been in her life since she was a toddler.
The Gibsons first came to Erinoak for its seating clinic when Courtney was two years old and needing her first wheelchair, which had to be tailor-fit to accommodate the unusual position of her legs. Once she started school, Erinoak was there to ensure Courtney could navigate safely in the halls and classroom and to make regular visits to provide occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
An Erinoak social worker has helped the Gibsons with financial issues, provided counseling for Courtney after the amputation, and paved the way for various services to become available to Courtney, such as Easter Seals camps and special at-home services which matches children with someone to provide extra help at home or on outings in the community.
The family-centred philosophy at Erinoak, which recognizes each family as unique, means that Courtney and her family are key players in determining the care she receives.
"They listen," says Julie. "They've been so accommodating of our needs as a family while ensuring Courtney receives what she needs."
It's important families are heard, explains social worker Neelu Khera. "We want the family to be in charge. We want to know the concerns and priorities that are most important to those we are serving. Services are then aligned to address those concerns and priorities."
This caring culture, a hallmark of Erinoak, also recognizes Courtney's strengths, drive and big personality. "She's an amazing, beautiful youngster," says Khera. A mini powerhouse of determination, the top student wants to accomplish everything on her own, or at least try. Topping her "to try" list these days are "high heels and heelies," Courtney says with a giggle. (Heelies are shoes with wheels in the heels.)
With her new legs, Courtney has grown from about one foot tall to three. She can help herself to a cookie on the table and carry a glass to the sink. With a walker, she can cruise the mall where people recognize her and shout, "You go girl."
Ask Courtney about her dreams and she says she's living them. She has legs that work. She can walk. She can kick a soccer ball. And in her closet are three pairs of shoes – runners, cowboy boots, and sandals.