Rachel and Janneke (“Yanika”) are sisters, and they are unable to suck and swallow, walk, roll, or talk. Though they do not have “normal” abilities, they do have the Children’s Centre!  The therapy teams at NPCC have helped five year old Rachel strengthen her legs to bear weight in a standing frame, and during the first three years of her life, Rachel received careful and intentional physiotherapy.  Janneke is now two years old, and she has benefited from wonderful care at NPCC in these first two years.  Janneke has received physio and occupational therapy to help her muscles strengthen, and she has learned to use her hands for the fine motor skill of touching.  The last six months have been particularly rewarding for Rachel and Janneke.  Rachel attends the preschool therapy program, and she has developed a babble sound that she incorporates with lots of smiles for the other small children.  Though she is often in her wheelchair, she participates with her eyes and her facial expressions.  Janneke has been able to bear weight through her legs with the use of a Pacer, a walker-frame that allows her to move on her feet.  Without the NPCC team, our girls would be unable to experience these accomplishments, and we would feel very much alone as a family.