Gregory Christian
Santiago - Mt. Vernon,
New York
 Gregory Christian Santiago was born on September 19, 2001 to Barbara
Martin and William Santiago. Born 10 weeks early, he was 3lbs 10oz and 17
inches long. He spent the first five weeks of his life in the NICU at
Lawrence Hospital. At 9 months of age, Gregory’s Pediatrician referred him
to a Pediatric Neurologist because he was not sitting up on his own or
crawling. He then began an Early Intervention Program to address his delays
with gross and fine motor skills.
It took two years for Gregory to be diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Before he
was diagnosed, none of the doctors had officially “labeled” him, but they
knew he would need special services. At age two he had a cat scan and the
result showed Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) and Cerebral Palsy –
specifically Spastic Quadriparesis which involves the weakening of all four
limbs and affects the muscles in his body.
Gregory walks with a walker and at times uses a wheelchair. His mom says
that he’s acknowledged that he can’t walk but hasn’t really questioned it.
Obtaining the necessary equipment is important for Gregory’s progress and
therapy. By the time Gregory was a year old he was already prescribed
splints and used a stander. His walker and wheelchair followed shortly
after. Gregory’s mother has recounted the difficulty in obtaining and
maintaining appropriate services and equipment crucial for Gregory’s
development.
After going to several different school settings, Gregory now attends a
public elementary school in Mt. Vernon. He attends weekly appointments for
both physical and occupational therapy.
Gregory lives happily with his mother Barbara, his father William, his
brother Tyler and his sister Ashley. Although Gregory is physically limited
he enjoys games, cartoons and loves playing on the swings. He also loves to
watch videos and play with his Thomas the Tank Engine trains.
We welcome Gregory and his family into our hearts and into Elkdom.
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