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There is saying which goes “A Smile is the Reflection of the Beauty of the Soul”. The same is the case with Alisha. When Alisha enters the clinic with a huge smile on her face, seated in her wheelchair pushed by her mother, everybody’s mood just lightens up. All of us in the clinic love this beautiful smile of Alisha and look forward to seeing her for her sessions. Alisha was diagnosed as Cerebral Palsy at the age of one and now Alisha is 22years old and this is her journey.

Alisha had a premature birth, where her mother delivered normally without any surgical intervention at the 30th week of pregnancy. As a parent, Alisha’s mom's life had a pause button when she heard about Alisha being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. She constantly kept thinking about what could have gone wrong and started blaming herself for Alisha’s condition.

Despite the diagnosis, there was no recommendation for Physiotherapy treatment given for Alisha by the Doctors who were treating her. It was only after 2 years that Mrs. Fernandes on seeing that Alisha is not developing her age significant milestones properly decided to take her to the therapy centers.

Alisha’s family was earlier staying in Thane where they started physiotherapy to work on her functions. Her dad shifted to overseas when he understood that this is going to be difficult to manage financially. His constant support to the family was always there though he was not staying with them. Later, Alisha’s family shifted to Mumbai, where they came across Dr. Dipti Patil (PT) in 2008 and started therapy with her. Dr. Dipti set up her treatment program with achievable milestones. Dr. Madhura (PT) was assigned as the dedicated therapist for Alisha with regular reviews of the treatment by Dr. Dipti to ensure that her treatment protocols are upgraded over time.

Mrs. Fernandes says,” Life with Alisha has always been challenging, but I have some praying friends whom I met because of Alisha. They would pray for her and strengthen me through prayers. Every event and milestone is priceless”. Managing with the job of a teacher, her mother Mrs. Geraldine Fernandes makes sure that Alisha receives the therapy that she needs. Alisha is brought up alongside two brothers and being a middle child, Alisha’s Mom believes that Alisha is way smarter, loving and a wonderful person than her brothers. Handling two boys at home and Alisha, Mrs. Fernandes's life has always been a roller coaster. However, Mrs. Fernandes makes sure to do everything in her power to make this journey a successful one.

Moreover, when Alisha was small, she not only faced motor problems but also had speech difficulties. During this course of time, her elder brother played an important role in helping Alisha develop her speech. Alisha is very fond of her elder brother since her childhood and considers him as her best friend. She used to imitate everything that her brother use to do, and only because of him, her speech started developing with all tiny interesting communications that they had. Owing to all the difficulties falling in Alisha and her mom’s lap, they both were always an achiever.

Despite all the hurdles, Alisha and her mom made sure that she gets a proper education. Nevertheless, Alisha’s mom qualifying as a teacher finally received an opportunity to teach in the same school where Alisha was studying. The ones clogged aspirations were now shaping up. Finally, Alisha’s mom started teaching English subject to the Primary section, until Alisha passed her SSC. Not only her mom but also Alisha worked hard in those days and scored 63% in the boards (2016). Moreover, last year, Alisha’s mom got a job in a reputed school near her house. Looking at them, there is no harm in saying that God gives us opportunities, we just have to maintain our faith.

Alisha, in the current date, is a mobile phone buff. She would keep browsing on the internet, watch videos, or chat on WhatsApp. It feels amazing on receiving a text message from Alisha. In this lockdown also, she has not failed to keep in touch with all her therapists. When asked Alisha’s mom what are her favorite activities, she says, observing people, and we couldn’t agree more. In therapy sessions also, Alisha loves watching other kids in the clinic and laughing on the small jokes that take place, until her mom gives her a scolding and ask her to concentrate on her exercise.

Currently, Alisha now manages to stand alone against the wall using a walker and also attempts to walk with a forearm walker in the clinic with assistance. However, Alisha's mom also adds, that ones Alisha starts walking, the first thing that she wants to do is join a Dance Academy. Physical disability has never limited them though. Her mother took a step forward and had put her in dance classes, where she could perform some dance steps in the wheelchair with limited mobility. This reminds us, that Alisha had also performed on the stage, in a wheelchair. Doing an incredible job at dancing she inspires many to touch that star in the dark sky even though it seems impossible.

Life has been difficult then and it is difficult now. However, Alisha and her mom have always found little joy in their life on this crucial journey together, then let it be a journey from their home to the clinic or their journey of life to date. Mrs. Fernandes wants to dedicate a quote to all the parents; “ Great things about life is that it always gives you so many chances and the best part is, it never asks you WHY YOU FAILED LAST TIME”. She wants to convey that Parents with little children do not lose hope. Dr. Dipti, Dr. Aarti, Dr. Prajakta, Dr. Rasika are putting their best efforts and with consistent efforts, you will see the results.

When we see Alisha and her mom in the clinic, it is always lovely to watch the mother-daughter duo aka best friends dedicating their lives to each other. At the birth of Alisha, her mother not only got a daughter but also a best friend. Mrs. Fernandes considers Alisha her living diary. The ones eclipsed moment has now brought light into their lives. They both are inseparable. A mother's treasure is indeed her daughter, and we can see that Mrs. Fernandes has treasured her daughter through thick and thin. There is a different vibe that comes along with Alisha which spreads in the environment. That chirpy, shy, adorable vibe which inspires all to be always smiling and never bent out of shape. They both inspire us to be better for everyone and to look for a silver lining in everything.

By,

Dr. Prajakta Dingle (PT)

Dr. Dipti Patil (PT)