Arnoldas is one of twins born prematurely. That the children would see the world earlier was no surprise, as twins are usually born ahead of time. We spent the first week in intensive care, then in the intensive therapy unit, until at last we were moved to the children’s hospital, where we could care for our little ones ourselves. After a cranial ultrasound, the doctor warned right away that Arnoldas might need serious rehabilitation. As parents, we hoped it was just excessive worry, but sadly the doctors were right.
The problems began when Arnoldas’s muscle tone started to increase. Spasms affected even the muscles of his mouth, so he could not suck milk from a bottle, which led to poor weight gain. When Arnoldas was five months old, epileptic seizures began. It was another blow to our family. The doctors started treatment immediately, but the seizures made his condition even harder and required additional medical procedures and medication. Epilepsy not only added new worries but also made Arnoldas’s rehabilitation even more complex. Every seizure was stressful not only for Arnoldas, but also for us, his parents, who tried to stay strong and help our son.
We spent almost the entire first year of his life in hospitals and rehabilitation centres. The doctors stressed that the first years are very important, so we tried to use every opportunity: physiotherapy, massage, sanatoriums, the Child Development Centre. All of this became our everyday life.
Arnoldas’s twin brother Arturas grew up at home with his father, barely seeing his mother. Two years later, our third son Aleksas was born. Arturas and Aleksas are healthy and happy children, but Arnoldas’s development lags far behind: he does not sit, walk, chew or speak. He needs constant rehabilitation: physiotherapy, massage, occupational therapy and speech therapy. We use every opportunity the state provides, but for Arnoldas it is not enough. His condition is severe and changes come slowly, so it is important to work without long breaks. We additionally pay for private procedures and keep moving forward. Arnoldas is changing, improving, and we firmly believe that the day will come when our boy takes his first step.
The doctors keep emphasising that Arnoldas is a clever and promising child. They urge us not to give up and assure us that our efforts will bring results. Every step forward Arnoldas makes, even the smallest, is a great victory for our family. We see how he tries, how his eyes light up when he achieves something new. It gives us strength and hope.
To ease our family’s financial burden, we founded the Arnoldo labdaros ir paramos fondas (Arnold’s Charity and Support Foundation). Here we share our achievements, everyday moments and plans.
Why the foundation needs your support
Arnoldas still does not sit, walk or speak, but every day he tries and slowly makes progress. This is why every bit of your support matters:
- Rehabilitation must be continuous and without breaks. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can only be overcome through regular, uninterrupted work. Every break means lost progress. State-funded sessions are not enough, so we pay for additional physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and massage ourselves.
- Our family’s means are limited. So that Arnoldas receives constant care and treatment, his mother is with him at all times and cannot work. The family lives on one income while raising three young children.
- Rehabilitation in Poland. We look for the best help for Arnoldas beyond Lithuania too: we regularly take him for rehabilitation in Poland. The trips, therapy courses and accommodation require significant funds.
- Every donation goes only to the child. The foundation has no administrative fees: every euro goes directly to Arnoldas’s rehabilitation and needs.
- Your support brings results. Doctors confirm that Arnoldas is a clever and promising child. Your help lets us keep going and move closer to his dream: to take his first step.