Monday, June 02, 2014

The Upsee

Like most 3-year-olds, my youngest son, Charlie, is desperate to explore his world. And like most 3-year-olds, he is very vocal about his displeasure when his desires are stifled. But unlike his peers, Charlie's frustration is compounded by the fact that he has Cerebral Palsy and is unable to walk or talk.

In an effort to aid Charlie's mobility, my husband and I have invested a great deal of time and money in procuring all sorts of adaptive equipment for our son. Charlie has a wheelchair, a gait trainer and an eclectic assortment of leg braces. But we're really excited about our latest purchase - a simple but genius device called the Upsee. The Upsee is a walking harness designed to help non-ambulatory kids ket up on their feet.

For the past week, Charlie, my husband and I have all been learning how to use the Upsee. Charlie was apprehensive at first, but after a few attempts, he was off to the races. I cannot express my glee and delight at seeing my gorgeous boy upright and meeting the world head-on. This new piece of equipment is a game changer for Charlie and for our family.













Learn more about the Upsee HERE.
Learn more about Charlie and his journey HERE.
And if you have questions about it, please don't hesitate to contact me!


7 comments:

Shawna McComber said...

What an amazing invention! Charlie looks so happy, I've got tears in my eyes.

Nivedita Das Narayan said...

This is my very first stop at reading this morning and am tearfully happy to be here and share in your happiness!!
God bless Charlie and you his Parents

Nivedita, Singapore

Tami Cohen said...

wonderful! i am so happy for you all :)

Rachel Anderson said...

Sometimes I forget just how amazing you guys are! xoxo

Unknown said...

Have fun and discover the world Charlie. Marie-Louise in Sweden

BB said...

Love it! We just got our Upsee on Monday. I notice you don't use the shoes… I find the shoes to be the most cumbersome of putting everything together without anyone to help out (I expected them to be separate shoes that latch together). I will try them without the shoes next to see if that helps.

Sarah Greenman said...

BB - thanks for your note! We don't use the shoes because Charlie already knows how to pick up his feet and step forward. Were he younger, and less connected with his feet and leg motion, the shoes would be really helpful. But yes - we've decided to go without shoes for the time being. He seems happiest with his feet free from ours.