As an occupational therapist, my purpose is clear: to make life fun, exhilarating, and accessible for every person I serve. Therapy isn’t just about improving function. It’s about unlocking joy, fostering creativity, and helping each individual live fully in their own unique way. Every goal matters. Every moment counts.
One of my most unforgettable patients is a young girl with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. But to define her by her diagnosis would miss the magic. She has a vibrant, bubbly, larger-than-life personality and an imagination fueled by all things fun. Her favorite pastime? Caring for her beloved baby dolls. She cherished them, named them, talked to them, and dreamed of becoming a NICU nurse one day so she could care for real babies who needed a little extra love, just like she once did.
When we began working together, one of her many goals was simple but deeply meaningful: to color pictures for her “babies.” She wanted to show love through her art, choosing the perfect colors, filling each page with care, and gifting her creations to the dolls who meant everything to her.
Thanks to APTAT, I was able to borrow a Guided Hands device, which gave her the ability to color independently for the first time. Her body didn’t always cooperate with her intentions, but with Guided Hands supporting her movement, she was able to bring her colorful ideas to life in her own way. Creating those moments of joy, real and irreplaceable, would not have been possible without the resources and collaboration made available through APTAT. She was given the independence to create in ways her body didn’t initially allow, and that freedom meant the world to her and to me.
Her story is why I do what I do. Occupational therapy, especially in pediatrics, is about empowering individuals to live fully on their own terms. Whether it’s learning to self-feed, improve fine motor control for classroom participation, develop the coordination needed for dressing, or gain the endurance to complete daily routines, these moments matter. I’m deeply grateful to be part of her journey, and to have the support of organizations like APTAT that help turn meaningful goals into reality.
