Apr 25, 2008 7:41 pm US/Eastern
She Needs Your Help To Overcome Cerebral Palsy
Neighbors4Neighbors: 305-597-4404
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
A South Florida girl is a special kind of survivor. Born with a brain injury, and barely able to function, her condition has slowly improved. But for her parents, it's their home life that's getting worse, and they need your help.
"Lily is love with capital letters," said her mother, Patricia Perron-Tenacio.
"When she was born, she couldn't see, hear or feel anything. She cried for 24-hours a day for two years," she said.
That's because Lily was born with a severe brain injury. Her cerebral palsy has caused developmental delays, but with her big brother's support, her parents love, dedication and perseverance, she is now able to hear, feel, see and is slowly learning to crawl, eat and speak.
"She is a champ; she works all day to get better," said Perron-Tenacio.
From the moment they wake up, Lily's mom and a group of volunteers work with Lily on her therapy, while dad is off working five jobs to make ends meet. He is a teacher tutor, soccer and tennis coach, as well as a translator.
"We need to pay the bills, and it's the only way mom can stay home and work with Lily," said her father, Arturo Tenacio.
Aside from the intense therapies, Lily and her family travel to Philadelphia every six months for an evaulauation program, which is very costly.
Fortunately Lily is surrounded by dozens of people who lover her and want to help her, but there is only so much they can do in a small cramped villa filled with equipment for Lily—equipment that she needs to survive.
"She has persevered, and continues to persevere, and she's here for a reason," said Perron-Tenacio.
If you can donate to Lily's family, call Neighbors 4 Neighbors at: 305-597-4404.
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