Meet Jordan : A Journey of Resilience, Miracles and Cerebral Palsy

Discovering Strength and Hope in the Face of Adversity

Meet our son, Jordan Steinmetz. His entry into this world on December 28, 2020, was abrupt and filled with fear. Despite a healthy pregnancy, Jordan’s birth took a dramatic turn. We rushed to the hospital as he showed unusual movement patterns, and upon arrival, his heart rate dropped dangerously fast while his mother’s heart rate soared. An emergency C-section was performed at 10:35 p.m., 37 weeks and 2 days into the pregnancy, with Jordan born without a heartbeat. The incredible efforts of the NyICU staff revived him after a challenging nine minutes. To prevent further brain and organ damage, he was placed on a hypothermia cooling mat.

In the following five weeks, Jordan underwent numerous tests and treatments, including breathing apparatuses, neurological monitoring, blood draws, cardiology tests, and MRIs. Additionally, blood work revealed a chromosomal deletion (8p23 deletion) that was not detected in early genetic screening. Our journey into parenthood took an unexpected turn, filled with uncertainty, specialists, and life-altering meetings. However, we committed ourselves to providing Jordan with the best possible care and expecting miracles along the way.

Jordan’s resilience as a baby amazed nurses and doctors, and today, as he grows and reaches milestones, his determination shines even brighter. To address his developmental delays and the use of his right arm and leg, Jordan began physical therapy through Arizona’s Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) at six months old. Recognizing the need for additional support, we turned to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona (UCP), where Jordan was diagnosed with mild Cerebral Palsy at 14 months.

At UCP, Jordan receives specialized occupational therapy, including CIMT (Constrained Induction Movement Therapy), as well as regular physical and feeding therapies. With the dedicated team of leaders and therapists at UCP, a comprehensive plan of care was developed for Jordan. He enthusiastically engages with his therapists, responding well to their techniques and forming a bond with each of them.

Despite severe brain injury and blood clots detected in his early MRIs, Jordan’s joy-filled life and neurological progress have defied expectations. His infectious smile, greetings, and growing abilities have been nothing short of miraculous. Through hard work and the expertise of UCP’s professionals, Jordan continues to develop and create new neural connections.

We have unwavering confidence that Jordan will thrive under UCP’s well-rounded approach to therapies and emerging technologies. We are grateful for the caring hearts and hands that challenge, encourage, and celebrate Jordan’s achievements. From the moment he was in the NyICU, we refused to accept limits on his potential based solely on medical diagnoses. Our belief in the power of prayer, love, and hard work drives us to shape Jordan’s life to its fullest.

Throughout Jordan’s therapy sessions, he has achieved several notable milestones and made remarkable progress.

 Here are some of his accomplishments:

• Improved Gross Motor Skills: Through physical therapy, Jordan has made significant strides in his gross motor skills. He has been able to develop better control and use of his right arm and leg, allowing him to perform movements with increased precision and coordination.
• Increased Range of Motion: With the help of specialized occupational therapy techniques like CIMT (Constrained Induction Movement Therapy), Jordan has expanded his range of motion in his affected limbs. This improvement has contributed to his overall motor function and independence.
• Enhanced Hand Function: Jordan has been working on improving his hand function, and he has shown progress in using his right arm and hand more effectively. His therapists have employed various techniques to help him grasp objects, strengthen his grip, and refine his fine motor skills.
• Improved Communication: Through consistent therapy and supportive interventions, Jordan has made strides in communication. He has learned to greet his therapists, make eye contact, and respond with vocalizations like saying “hi!” and “bye!” These communication skills are crucial for his social development and interaction with others.
• Developmental Milestones: Despite the challenges he faced early on, Jordan has continued to reach developmental milestones. He has shown resilience and determination in his growth and has been steadily progressing in areas such as cognitive skills, social interactions, and emotional development.

It’s important to note that each child’s progress is unique, and therapy outcomes can vary. Jordan’s achievements highlight his individual journey and the positive impact that therapy and early intervention have had on his development.

As parents without medical training, we have witnessed firsthand the incredible neuroplasticity of a child’s mind. We embrace life’s experiences, nature, and music, creating adventures as a family. We advocate for early intervention, ask questions, do research, trust our instincts, and consistently show up for Jordan. We understand that these small actions will lead to significant successes over time. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but the impact it has made on our sweet boy’s life fills us with immeasurable joy.

– Kristen and Andrew Steinmetz, proud parents of Jordan Steinmetz