Maxim Charitable Foundation 2008 Recipient
Sarah Ann Kronrot
Sara Ann Kronrot is a sweet 4 & 1/2-year-old girl who suffered a lack of oxygen at her birth, causing severe brain injury and cerebral palsy. Sara had no muscle tone, suck, swallow or reflexes, and was thought to be blind, deaf, and unable to move or communicate. She was not expected to survive. But with her own determination, energetic medical care and aggressive rehabilitation, Sara has made a stunning recovery. She has overcome acute illnesses, gained strength to sit, stand and play in adaptive equipment, and now is seen by her teachers and therapists as a bright child with full awareness and mental capacity. Only her speech and motor activities are delayed.
With a small upper airway, difficulty managing her secretions, and inability to hold her head and body up for more than a few seconds, Sara requires 24/7 oversight by her parents and caregivers, who assure free breathing, postural support, and nutrition/hydration through Sara's gastric tube. When necessary, they also provide emergency-level medical care at home or while traveling, and even in the hospital, where Sara has spent more than a year of her life.
Sara's remarkable progress is due to the dedication of her parents, who pursue the most effective treatments they can find, including hyperbaric oxygen, special physical, occupational and swallowing therapies for children with cerebral palsy, chiropractic, advanced nutrition, sensory stimulation and motor patterning. With travel included, these consume over half of each week, allowing only part-time self-employment.
From the beginning, Sara's parents have had to raise funds for Sara's rehabilitation, supplies and travel, as well as the spiraling cost of health insurance. Sara will soon be ready for dental treatment to widen her hard palate, bringing her tongue and lower jaw forward to help her breathe and swallow. Home modifications will be needed as Sara becomes too large and heavy to carry, and a van for Sara's wheelchair. These will only be possible with substantial financial assistance.
Sara Ann has the long-term potential for an independent and productive life. She will show how a child expected to be a custodial burden can be redeemed, and she may inspire other families to do likewise.