About
Can you spare a few minutes to brighten the day of this special teenager? I hope you read about Eric Rice and choose to help him by posting a short “hello” to his blog:
You can help brighten Eric’s day(s) by visiting Eric’s blog and posting encouraging words for him before, during, and after his recovery from scoliosis surgery (scheduled for January 31st). Eric is my 15 year old nephew whose Cerebral Palsy has exacerbated his scoliosis. I chose a blog so Eric can read the posts when he is able, the posts can be read to him, and/or he can use the posts as daily inspiration. Eric is a huge fan of all sports, music and video games. Think of the inspiration you can give Eric just by posting a get well wish!
Eric’s blog link:
http://www.annsaysitsweetly.com/blog/
Eric is more than just a teenager, nephew, cousin, brother, son, grandson, and friend. He is an amazing person that endures more than we can imagine on a daily basis. It is more than difficult to be a teenager today, but to be a teenager whose brain is just like yours and mine, and at the same time live with daily frustrations because your body does not function like it should: you are not easily understood when speaking, you are dependent on someone else for your everyday needs: hygiene, getting dressed, eating, transportation (you can’t go places with your friends, as you need a wheelchair lift in the vehicle), in addition to being in constant pain. These are just a few effects that I see Eric deals with; I’m sure he can list many more.
Eric was born January 11, 1993 weighing 1 lb 6 oz. in Cleveland, Ohio. Consequently, Eric has cerebral palsy. “Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). Cerebral palsy can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems . . .” This is a nutshell definition and does not give justice to the long term effects both physically and mentally of those that suffer from this condition in addition to the impact of a family member with CP has on his/her family. Today, Eric resides in Lewisville with his parents, Donna and Chris, and his sister Megan who is 10.
Eric is a freshman at Flower Mound High School. He enjoys sports, music and video games. Eric attended all the football games he was able to see his team, the Jaguars this past season. When I attended a game with Eric, it was apparent that Eric is admired by both students and adults as they all knew his name and was glad to see him and his school spirit.
Beginning high school has been challenging for Eric. Although he is confined to a wheelchair and dependent on a computer for all of his schoolwork, Eric is a bright young man with much to offer to any class. The adjustments that need to be made are new to his teachers, school administrators, and students.
Eric’s high school journey came after Eric spent more than half of his summer between Scottish Rite and Medical City hospitals. Eric was supposed to have surgery this past summer to fix his severe scoliosis. Instead, he was admitted to both hospitals where in endured numerous tests and eventually he had a feeding tube inserted into his abdomen. One of the side effects of CP is that Eric has little to none body fat (I should be so lucky) and it is difficult for him to gain weight. One of the main concerns the doctors have about Eric going in for an 8 hour surgery is his weight. The feeding tube was an attempt to help Eric gain the much needed weight that the doctors were looking for. Unfortunately, Eric has had numerous stomach infections that have prevented him from gaining much weight. Consequently, Eric did not return back to Flower Mound High School (he is a freshmen) after Christmas Break. A homebound teacher has recently been coming to his home in an effort to get Eric caught up in school and hopefully complete his final exams before his surgery.
Although Eric is not at the weight the doctors would like, his scoliosis has made daily life for Eric miserable. He is unable to sit up completely, and his chest is putting increased pressure on his heart. Eric is to report to Scottish Rite Hospital on Sunday, January 27th. His 8 hour surgery including 2 metal rods being inserted in his spine is scheduled for Thursday, January 31st.
I will keep the blog updated with Eric’s developments as they occur. Thank you in advance for helping me help Eric!
Ann Beltran
Eric’s Aunt
