Granting Micah's Wish

Seven surgeries in just nine years: this is typical for a child with spastic Cerebral Palsy. Two surgeries were for the eyes, two were for the hips, one was to remove hardware from a previous surgery, one was to implant a baclofen pump, and one to release leg muscles. Micah will have his eighth surgery this summer to remove hardware once again. Spastic CP often requires the need for physical, occupational, and speech therapies, Botox/ Phenol injections, a library of medicines, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, nutritionists, and many other specialists . Then there is the plethora of equipment: adductor pillows, knee immobilizers, standers, walkers, bath chairs, potty seats with straps, and wheelchairs to name a few. Beyond these, everything else needs to be adapted just so a little one with CP may join in everyday activities: bikes, sleds, swings, cups, silverware, vehicles and more. None of these things bring healing.
Last year I heard a radio broadcast from a woman who had become involved in aid to third world orphanages. The conditions of the special needs children she described were heartbreaking. Anyone listening would have felt like hopping on the first plane over and rescuing a child in need. I know I felt that way. Also, since that broadcast, a great appreciation for the availability in our country of these things where Micah is concerned has been ever present in my mind. It didn't keep me from stumbling over disappointment, though, when we finally received a response to Micah's Make-A- Wish application. "It was concluded that at this time, your child's medical diagnosis does not meet the qualifications for the Make-A-Wish program." They then assured us that if Micah's condition ever changed, he was welcome to reapply. I was confused and maybe a bit hurt, truth be told. On one hand, it was a relief to hear they didn't think Micah qualified; on the other hand, I certainly didn't agree with the decision. "After all he's been through?" I grumped. So I wrote an e-mail to the director and placed a call to his doctor to better understand the mechanics of it all. This is what I learned.
It is a myth that Make-A-Wish only approves the applications of terminally ill children, however, a child's condition must meet one of three criteria: progressive (gets worse and worse), degenerative (breaks down over time), or malignant (life threatening). Despite the fact that Cerebral Palsy is currently incurable and can possibly shorten a lifespan due to complications arising from symptoms, etc. it is not recognized as a life threatening condition. Additionally, CP does not meet the criteria of a degenerative or progressive condition since brain damage resulting in a diagnosis of CP does not worsen or break down over time. Symptoms related to the condition of CP may worsen either with or without proper care, but that is not considered to be the same thing.
Micah is no worse for the wear. With strategic planning and a little codling of the family budget, Daddy and Mommy will eventually grant his "Nickey Nouse" wish. Thank God he does not struggle with life threatening symptoms at this time. Our hearts go out to those families and children who do, and we hope all of their Make-A-Wishes come true!