Nothing She Can’t Do:
Zoey’s Story
Diagnosis: Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome
Zoey is a 10-year-old from Surf City, NC that loves ALL cooking shows, Netflix, and good music. Her mother Abby describes her as one of the most resilient people you will ever come across.
“Zoey thinks there is nothing she can’t do, and she is right in her beliefs. She may have to do things differently, or we may have to alter experiences to make them work for her, but we find a way to make sure she is given the same opportunities as everyone else.”
Zoey is diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome; a rare form of Leukodystrophy that affects the brain, spinal cord, and immune system.
Every piece of medical equipment that has come into their home to assist Zoey has come from Numotion. “We have been extremely fortunate to work with three talented ATPs over the years that have constantly come up with new ideas and ways to adapt to Zoey’s ever-changing needs and growth,” said Abby.
“Numotion has supported us on our journey since we started with an adaptive stroller before moving into a manual wheelchair and most recently transitioned into a standing power chair.”
Zoey’s ATP is Jeff Trout and Abby describes him as a member of their family. “I’m not sure we ever would have transitioned to a power chair had it not been the suggestion of our ATP, Jeff Trout. He thought Zoey was ready and that a demo was worth a shot. That demo turned into countless PT sessions of Zoey running obstacle courses set up by her PT. It led to school trials, more obstacle courses, and home trials before we decided to order a standing Permobil F5.”
Unfortunately, their request for Zoey’s new power chair was not granted immediately. “It took months to get it approved and insurance put up a good fight, but our Numotion team supported us the entire way. Jeff delivered Zoey’s new chair on September 4th, 2020, along with pink roses for her. He has been a member of our family since our first appointment, just like our previous ATPs have been.”
Abby said that Jeff was the first person they allowed into their home after the start of the pandemic and he was the first person they texted on September 14th, 2020 as they watched Zoey enter school completely independent for the first time. “There have been so many times that he has made us feel like his only clients. I often tell people that selecting medical equipment for a child is terrifying because you simply don’t know what the future holds, but Jeff makes it so much easier,” said Abby.
“Transitioning to a power chair has already changed her life in so many ways and we can’t wait to see what doors it opens for her in the future,”
Abby, Zoey’s mom
