"I believed in their potential from the beginning."
Dana and Jared Florence were surprised to learn that Dana was carrying triplets. Their emotions turned to dismay when their babies were born very premature, at only 25 weeks.
Those first minutes, days and weeks were terrible. The babies had only a 50% chance of survival, but all three proved they were fighters and pulled through. After months in hospital, Taylor, Cole and Brody finally came home, to the relief and delight of their parents. When the children were two years of age, all three kids were diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a non-progressive condition in which the brain cannot control some muscles of the body.
Now aged three, the triplets are bright, curious and loving kids who don't need any help to charm.
Taylor is a sweet girl who loves pink, princesses and her toy 'Catty'. Shy at first, she loves people, playing games, and having books read to her.
Cole is the funny man. He's got a brilliant smile and loves making people laugh. Maybe that's why Elmo's his favourite T.V. character. He also loves taking on challenges.
Brody is sensitive, warm and sweet. He loves cuddling, and hates to be alone. His favourite activity is swimming in Holland Bloorview’s Snoezelen pool.
Dana is emphatic about the importance of Holland Bloorview in her children's lives. At the moment, Brody, Cole and Taylor come to Holland Bloorview every Monday for physiotherapy and occupational therapy to work on things like sitting and holding objects. Taylor also attends speech language therapy, and Brody augmentative communication, which teaches him non-speech forms of communication. Dana appreciates the skill, goal-orientation and warmth of the staff. Assessments are made every few months. Small amounts of progress are noted and celebrated, and new goals determined.
When Dana thinks back to her dreams for the triplets during her pregnancy, she wanted them to be happy and to contribute to society. Dana is confident her children will be able to make their own achievements, but knows it will take more time, planning, work and support. Holland Bloorview is a crucial part of that support team.
Through their experience with the triplets, Dana and Jared have been inspired to start THREE TO BE, which is dedicated to supporting research to develop therapies and treatments for children living with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. THREE TO BE has been incredibly successful in its first year. Holland Bloorview will be one of the main beneficiaries of funds raised by THREE TO BE.
For more information visit: www.threetobe.org.
