Aug 12, 2024
Victoria RAMIREZ : An Unstoppable Spirit at UCP+
UCPCC’s Unstoppable Spirit this month is Victoria Ramirez.
Unstoppable Spirit: Victoria and her mother dora’s Inspiring Journey
“It’s a hard battle, but battles are only given to warrior families like us.” – Dora Gamino
A Journey Begins
Dora’s pregnancy with her third child, Victoria, was mostly normal until a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. When Victoria was born, Dora and her husband noticed her clubbed foot and shorter extremities. Soon, doctors diagnosed Victoria with Diastrophic Dysplasia, a type of dwarfism. Despite these challenges, Victoria was otherwise healthy.
Early Development Milestones
Victoria’s early development was slightly delayed. She began sitting up on her own at 14 months and started scooting on her bottom at 20 months. At 11 months, their pediatrician recommended the UCPCC Parent and Me program, which became a lifeline for Dora and Victoria.
Finding Support and Hope
The UCPCC Parent and Me sessions were transformative. Dora, who had fallen into depression due to her daughter’s condition, found motivation and hope through the program. Victoria learned to stand with assistance, applying these skills at home. The program’s early intervention specialists also visited their home, providing essential support.
Progress and Milestones
By age three, Victoria was sitting independently and scooting around. Although CVRC stopped funding separate physical therapy sessions after age three, Victoria continued to make remarkable progress. She has undergone four surgeries: one for club foot correction, two for her back, and an upcoming one for scoliosis in July 2024. Initially, doctors considered amputating her legs to improve mobility with prosthetics but later decided she would be more mobile with her legs intact.
School and Achievements
Now eight years old and in the third grade, Victoria uses a wheelchair outside but walks on her knees at home. She excels in school, consistently earning Student of the Month awards and winning spelling bees. Victoria loves to dance, draw, and socialize. Her mother, Dora, proudly shares that having a disability does not prevent someone from living a normal life and achieving great things. Instead, it offers a unique perspective on what is possible.
Moving Forward
Dora Gamino has been an early intervention specialist at UCPCC Parent and Me program in Hanford, Ca. since January 2023. Inspired by her journey with Victoria, she is dedicated to helping other families navigate similar challenges.
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