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The Strength Within

Howard Oviedo — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:59:28 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Andrew has great courage and strength that he exudes each day. From birth, the now ten-year-old, was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss, as well as the trials that come along with having autism.

Even though there are struggles that come with his diagnosis, Andrew wants to do and be more than the box they seem to put him in. At school, he loves to take attendance for his class, and even takes the results down to the Principals’ office daily. At his young age he already knows he likes to be in charge, and is beginning to show true leadership skills!

Andrew has been going to Beyond Limits for five years for therapeutic horseback riding lessons. Riding has helped him become more independent and have the confidence to try new things. The once shy boy, with murmured speech and hearing loss, now has the courage to stand out and be noticed. He recently attended a pageant and was able to speak to an audience of 3,000 people. Way to go Andrew!

At the farm, his Instructor lets Andrew take the reins by himself, he directs the horse independently, and steers to complete the skills of the day! In the barn he is helpful in tacking and untacking before and after his lesson, grooming, and other responsibilities that come with taking care of a horse, and of course giving them yummy treats after a job well done! All of this has helped him see how much fun it is to help out, and more importantly, that he is well and able to get things done independently!

Being at Beyond Limits has greatly improved Andrew’s way of life. It has enabled him to take greater control of his destiny, and prepares him for a bright and confident future. There is a strength within that Andrew has discovered. A strength that makes his diagnosis disappear for a bit, a strength that makes him no different from you and me. Oh, if we should all find our hidden strength, like Andrew has done, what a wonderful world this would be!

In addition to riding, Andrew can be found outside enjoying the perks of life. He loves to play soccer, baseball, and in summer you can always find him at the pool! Through all of these things, he is building up his confidence and fortitude, to continue to live life to the fullest, in the way that it should be lived! Andrew has courage and shows this to others each day. Way to GO BEYOND Andrew!

The post The Strength Within first appeared on Beyond Limits.

The Golden Heart

Howard Oviedo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:26:14 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Joseph has a “golden heart”, according to his mom. He had to ride a horse, that he had never been on and was still able to go for the gold! His confidence was at such a level that he was able to win a gold medal in Showmanship at a recent Special Olympics 3-day equestrian event.

Joseph, a young adult, has Cerebral Palsy (CP), but this has not stopped him from living his life. Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder affecting the brain. It effects body movement and muscle coordination.

Joseph attends Paulding Enterprises 5 days a week. He concentrates on math skills, motor skills, exercise, and goes out into the community to include singing at a local nursing home.

Paulding Enterprises introduced Joseph to Beyond Limits. He has ridden horses in the Special Olympics and also took part in golf and swimming, winning gold medals in both! He has been with Beyond Limits for 4 years, and in the beginning, Joseph was intimidated by being on a horse. It took 3 people to help guide him while riding until he gradually gained the strength and confidence to ride independently.

Joseph’s progress has been extraordinary, thanks to his therapeutic riding instructor, Kristen Moreland. From the beginning, she has instilled confidence, hard work and determination. His motor skills and balance have improved along with self-assurance.

His favorite horse was JD, who has since been retired, and he now rides Faith. “Faith is gentle, not bouncy, trots well, is not lazy, and listens to me” Joseph relates.

Joseph has been thrown a couple of times while riding. His first horse, JD was spooked by another horse, started into a gallop, throwing him off. He was briefly shaken and got right back on and finished the ride. That is real determination! There is an old phrase in horseback riding that says, “you aren’t a cowboy until you have been thrown three times.”

This family has always been close knit, and having Joseph attend Beyond Limits has made them even closer. In fact, other members of the family have been thrilled to come watch Joseph at different shows and could not believe what he is able to carry out.

Joseph is both a special young man and an inspiration. From grooming and bathing the horses to taking part in various shows, there is no doubt that whatever he puts his mind to, it will be accomplished. Joseph you are a true hero!

The post The Golden Heart first appeared on Beyond Limits.

An Interview with Dr. Ira Adams

Howard Oviedo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 17:25:14 +0000

By Betty Boyd

Dr. Ira Adams specializes in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine/Pediatrics at Emory University Hospital. She also is a teaching Professor and is associated with the Medical Development Progress Clinic.

A broad definition of Cerebral Palsy is that CP is a non-progressive neurological brain abnormality associated with functional motor impact. Some of the areas impacted include fine and gross motor skills, speech, and cognitive functions. Because of how CP affects the brain, a person might not be able to walk, talk, eat, or move the way most people do. CP also affects a person’s muscle tone and ability to coordinate body movements.

The most common forms of therapy include, speech, occupational, physical, aquatic, and hippotherapy. It affects young infants, mainly with their motor skills. Motor skills are the most common form that is not directly related to cognitive skills or overall development. Sometimes, a child’s Cerebral Palsy will only affect his or her physical functioning. However, about 30 to 50 percent of children with Cerebral Palsy have some level of cognitive impairment.

Dr. Adams says that Cerebral Palsy rates have both decreased over time and in their severity, and people can live full and productive lives. There is research being done to better understand the changes and seriousness of this disability.

Along with medication, there is also assisted devices (strollers, walkers) and other technology to help children with Cerebral Palsy.

For more information on Cerebral Palsy please see refer to the CDC link provided in this article.

11 Things to Know about Cerebral Palsy | Features | CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/features/cerebral-palsy-11-things

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood.

The post An Interview with Dr. Ira Adams first appeared on Beyond Limits.

The Inner Light

Beyond Limits — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 03:11:26 +0000

The Inner Light by Betty Boyd

Kathy Davidson has an inner light that is bright as a sunrise. She expresses an internal glow that is hard to beat. She has had multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1991, but you wouldn’t know it. The most common symptoms of MS are tingling, numbness, loss of balance, weakness in one or more limbs and blurred or double vision.

Her prognosis was very grim, and Kathy knew there was a long road ahead. Picking herself up, finding a great specialist that aided in the fight. There is no cure for MS, and at times she has been depressed, but has kept on battling the weakness in speaking and walking.

Kathy has had to hide the effects of this disease because it carries a stigma, and when there were issues with her speaking or walking made her strive even more. This disease became so depilating that she had to downsize her life and quit a well- paying job.

Kathy knew there was more to life, so with the help of her sister Carol, they independently found Beyond Limits, which offered the hope she was looking for. Kathy has always loved horses, and in 2013 went on a journey that to this day, has changed her life.

You have a sense of power and confidence in handling a 1500-pound animal. Kathy has learned to canter, to ride faster and even perform in horse shows! Each person is matched to a particular horse based on each other’s personalities.

Riding horses has helped Kathy with body awareness, strength, and balance. Therapeutic riding has given her back the ability to walk and talk even with multiple sclerosis. Kathy has been with the program for 5 years and is also involved with volunteering. She has helped other riders with the opportunity to learn life skills as well improve their own core strength, balance, social skills, and memory. In addition to riding, the riders are able to groom the horse with different brushes and even clean their hooves!

Kathy is more active because of the tremendous chance given to her in therapeutic riding. “I have a bigger family and support team because of Beyond Limits. I am helped socially, and interaction with the kids, parents, therapeutic riding instructors, and volunteers makes life better,” comments Kathy.

Working as a volunteer keeps Kathy uplifted, smiling with a better perspective. Seeing how the kids are fighting gives her a stronger will and brings her joy. Kathy realizes, “I must try to do as much as I can for myself. It is not just about you, but about others.”

Kathy cites, “the animals touch and reach your soul.” The love she has for the horses and the people of The Barn has given her courage that otherwise would not have been achieved.

The post The Inner Light first appeared on Beyond Limits.