As you may know, I’ve had Cerebral Palsy (CP) since birth. I was born three months early at 1lb. 14oz. and had a brain hemorrhage. It has put limits on my physical abilities. The spasticity in my muscles caused my bones and muscles to turn and pull in different ways.  I’ve had many surgeries and years of physical therapy to correct some of this. My Mom researched and found an amazingly, talented, and gifted doctor, Dr. James Gage at Gillette Childrens Specialty Hospital in Minneapolis. He performed my many surgeries there over the course of about ten plus years. Each one helped my gait (pattern of walking) tremendously . 

For one part the gait study you have equipment on your back, wires hooked up and a mask over your face and must walk for six minutes without stoping, while it records your breathing and energy output. For the second part little reflective balls are placed on   major joints, like hips, knees, toes, and elbow, etc. While walking up and down in the lab, a camera relates all of your movements to a computer.  The end result is a stick figure walking on the computer mimicking your gait. and a report creates many grafts on your muscles and bones. The information collected gives the doctor better knowledge on what needs to be corrected. A fun fact is that this method was used to create characters in the Pixar movies.  Real humans would be prepped and then go though all the movements of the animated figures, and then the characters were created around the the stick figures. Dr. Gage developed this technology and opened up the first Automated Motion Analysis Lab in Connecticut and a second at Gillette.

I had eighteen procedures with my first surgery and it lasted nine hours with two doctors! The was a lot of pain involved, but worth it. Recovery was usually about 5-6 months.   Gillette is a very special place. Despite my surgeries and pain I always enjoyed my stays. They are very organized and a model for other hospitals. The staff was always friendly, knowledgable, and helpful . I especially loved Dr. Gage’s nurse Patrick. He was the best. He used to talk to me with a Donald Duck voice. He was extremely bright and friendly and knew how to make you feel at home. My stays were usually about a week at a time. They had an activity room and scheduled fun events for patients. They also brought pets to visit.

Dr Gage is now retired from medical practice but continues to work on research.  After each surgeries he gave my mom his personal phone number and even called us at home. He always made me feel very special like I was one of his favorite patients. He is a great doctor! I am very grateful to Dr. Gage. It is because of him that I am able to use my walker and get around as well as I do!  Thank You Dr. Gage!