Home Runs for Life: Lincoln Riley
The first thing you notice about Lincoln Riley is his infectious smile.
“Most people are surprised he's always so happy, and we are not just making it up. When they meet him in person, they say, ‘Oh my gosh, he is like this. You're not just taking small moments and posting them on Facebook. He's like this all the time.’ And a lot of people, even strangers, are surprised. They ask about his wheelchair, and they are surprised that he's so happy,” said Lucas Riley, Lincoln’s dad.
Lincoln, 3, of Buffalo, Iowa, was born with the rare condition Baraitser-Winter syndrome. The genetic condition affects the development of many parts of the body, particularly the face and the brain. It is so rare that fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the medical literature, according to a peer-reviewed paper published by MedlinePlus.
“It's a global developmental delay. So, it causes intellectual and physical disabilities,” said Lucas.
When Lincoln was only nine weeks old, his pediatrician recommended that his parents take him to therapy at Genesis Pediatric Therapy in Bettendorf.
“She did the head lag test, and he wouldn’t pick up his head. Ever since then, we have been coming here and rarely missed a week,” said Lucas.
When Lincoln goes through his weekly therapy sessions with Genesis Physical Therapist Brynn Boderman, you can see why his parents believe their son has exceeded all their expectations.
“We are working to piece together his gross motor development, such as keeping his head up, sitting and transitioning to standing. As a result of his therapy, Lincoln has progressed from standing into walking,” said Brynn.
“Doctors in Iowa City told us he may never lift his head, and now he is doing all kinds of things that we never thought he’d do. He has really good days, like today, and days that aren't so good. But I'm always proud of him. Almost every week, we're seeing progress, and he is getting stronger every time we're here,” said Lucas.
Lucas and Sarah Riley are excited about the future of their son, who will turn four in July. But they are realistic about what that future might look like.
“We are not expecting a miracle and he will suddenly start walking one day. But we know that we have to come here and put in the time, and it will be years, but that’s what he will need to progress. And eventually, we are hoping he’ll be running around the house one day,” said Lucas.
The Rileys want their story to help other parents get the help they need for their children. They would have never guessed that a child could start physical therapy at nine weeks old and suspect other parents don’t either.
“If a parent thinks something might be a little off or they don't think their kids are doing the same thing their friends' kids are doing at the same age, they should go to their pediatrician and bring up those concerns, and they could recommend that you start therapy,” urged Lucas.
Lincoln loves giving high-fives. He loves music and dancing after a diaper change. These are the moments that his parents cherish and fill them with gratitude.
“I think without Genesis GoPeds and therapy, he would probably just be lying in a bed – all day, every day and not experiencing life the way he should be,” said Lucas.
