After 5 previous failed attempts to have a child, he was the perfect baby and all that I had wished for. At 2.5 months I knew that something, "just wasn't right", but getting the doctors to listen was proving to be the main hurdle. At 5 months of age, Kai and I met that doctor, who admitted him for a chain of tests. It was at 6 months of age, that he was officially diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy.

Since that day, we have had many enduring tests thrown at us, but somehow, we've managed to find the strength to get us through.

Since then, Kai has had fundoplications x 2 (to stop him refluxing so severely), a gastrostomy (stomach button) so he can be fed fluids, has been diagnosed with dumping syndrome and epilepsy + has recently had nerves damaged in his right leg during orthopaedic surgery.

As like most parents/carers in similar situations, we have regular stays in hospital with the usual viruses etc, hospital appointments, therapy sessions etc etc & other social events, so we lead a pretty hectic life! Kai has been attending Xavier Special Ed for the conductive education program since he was 18 months old, as I believe early intervention is a good start. I look back at when we first started and I can’t believe how far he has come and the things that he is achieving now. I have also got him involved in horse riding at Arundle Park Riding for the Disabled, for the last 18 months, which he enjoys & looks forward to every week. I have noticed a HUGE improvement in him being able to sit up and hold his head up for longer periods, which is our main goal at the moment.

Over the last 6.5 years, I have seen Kai grow and change into the most happy, loving, affectionate, strong/determined and devoted little boy he is today. I never thought that his life would be so challenging, but that is what makes him even more special to me and everyone who knows him. And that is something that is sure to NEVER change!!!

By Raylene (Kai’s proud mum)