Determined to Thrive Despite Cerebral Palsy, Brooklyn Is an Inspiration

Physical therapists at Children’s are helping this sassy, joyful 5-year-old gain skills that will allow her to overcome limitations and do things her own way.

After a two-year adoption journey, Chip and Michelle Dean finally got the call they’d been waiting for. “We learned about Brooklyn just two weeks before she was born. It was a complete surprise. She was our first child, and she changed our lives forever,” says Chip.

Brooklyn was born four weeks premature, so the Deans weren’t too concerned when she wasn’t meeting developmental milestones. “I think we just started noticing around four months that she wasn't rolling and she wasn't trying to sit up,” says Michelle. “As she got a little older, it became more apparent that something was going on.”

Soon after Brooklyn’s first birthday, a neurologist confirmed their suspicions. Brooklyn had had a stroke, which resulted in cerebral palsy. “Cerebral palsy affects Brooklyn mainly on the left side of her body,” says Michelle. “She has trouble using her left arm, hand and leg. She has a lot of weakness in her core and her trunk, which presents challenges with sitting up, her posture, gait and just overall motor control.”

Brooklyn began seeing a specialist near the family’s home in Virginia. But a much-anticipated return to Georgia led to a referral to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where they found more advanced care. “We felt like we had reached the ceiling of what [doctors in Virginia] were recommending,” says Michelle. “Coming to Atlanta, we were hopeful and excited because we felt like there were new opportunities for her care.” From aquatic and occupational therapy to robotic therapy, 5-year-old Brooklyn has benefited greatly from these new opportunities, not to mention Children’s specialized expertise. “At Children’s, our focus is only on kids. We have the equipment, knowledge and skillset to know what kids need as they grow,” says Brooklyn’s physical therapist, Amy Trask.

Brooklyn has thrived in therapy, learning new skills that allow her to be more independent at home and at school. And she’s gained some new friends and a lot of fans along the way.

“Brooklyn is very smart, determined and a little sassy,” says Chip. “She does everything with joy, and I think that’s what makes her a miracle child. She changes lives. Whenever anybody is around her, they are inspired by her. They’re encouraged to be the best version of themselves because Brooklyn is being the best version of herself.”