Lydia Kay Wirth is a three-year old who knows how to party. Just take a look at the photo below. She and her dad, Josh Wirth, are up to their elbows in shaving cream for some Easter egg coloring fun!
Lydia is the winner of our Ready for Easter contest, receiving the most 'likes' with her favorite way to celebrate Easter photo. Way to go Lydia! TWCKY hopes you will enjoy your $15 Walmart gift card a lot.
Lydia's mom, Chelsey Zaretzke Wirth, (formerly of Providence) shared with me - "She is the happiest girl I know. She can bring a smile to your face. She loves everybody and judges no one."
About Lydia
Born as a seemingly healthy baby, Lydia began to show signs at five months old that she was not developing at an age appropriate rate. Naturally concerned, her parents consulted her pediatrician. At that time, the doctor saw nothing that caused him concern.One month later, Lydia's parents came back to the physician, determined that some tests be administered to find an explanation for her inability to perform age-appropriate tasks. The doctor ordered an MRI scan.
The test results showed that Lydia had hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, causing swelling and pressure. This would begin to explain the impairments of brain function and lack of development they'd seen in Lydia.
Because the disorder is potentially fatal, Lydia's parents immediately scheduled appointments at Kosair's Children's Hospital in Louisville for the following day. There she would see a team of genetic physicians.
A new diagnosis with an enduring message
Following evaluation, the doctors at Kosair's diagnosed Lydia with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects many organs of the body. Doctors reassured Lydia's mom and dad that nothing done by either parent had caused the syndrome, but no amount of reassurance could have bolstered them for the frightening news they heard next.
"Lydia will never walk or talk. You will have to take care of Lydia for the rest of your lives."
Research spurs second opinion, a more fitting diagnosis
Lydia began therapy and her mom began to dig deeper, to find out all she could about Rubinstein Taybi . She'd not been convinced that the latest diagnosis was correct. The gut feeling that wouldn't seem to change finally helped her realize that it was time for a second opinion.
It had been a year since the first diagnosis. The doctor who saw Lydia this time concluded that she had cerebral palsy, most likely caused from her previous hydrocephalus, brain fluid buildup. Her mom agreed that her functional abilities most closely resembled the signs and symptoms associated with CP.
Lydia today
Lydia is on her way, achieving with her abilities. She feeds herself with her fingers and can use utensils with assistance. She sits, crawls and can walk with assistance, and she can speak and sign little words.
Attending preschool is something Lydia loves. No one has to persuade her that it's time for school. And she's part of the regular classroom there. She just gets some extra help with physical, speech and occupational therapy.She's even added a new adventure of physical and speech therapy at Theraplay in Madisonville to boost her skills, too.
At home, it's time for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Elmo and fun with mom and dad, but it's never time to quit (except when you simply must go to sleep of course). And there must always be room in a girl's schedule for hugs and kisses.
Her mom and dad feel especially blessed to have her. They will tell you that even the brief journey they've come with Lydia thus far has taught them so much about the richness of life. She's a little girl who doesn't give up, her mom says, "and it's only the beginning!"
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| Lydia with her parents, Chelsey and Josh Wirth of Princeton, Kentucky |