Because of this, she developed a flat spot. So at six months old, she went to Gillette Hospital where she received a protective helmet to wear for eight weeks to correct it. She also had to go to the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Owatonna as she wasn't able to roll over, or sit up, as her stomach muscles were not strong enough.
When it came time to crawl, the muscles in her legs weren’t strong enough. She walked for the first time when she was 14 months old, ironically the first day she visited the developmental delay pediatric specialists at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis.
Today, her walking still remains very problematic and painful. She has what the doctors call inverted ankles, which requires her to wear structured yet forgiving soled shoes, better known as her "special shoes.”
She understands what her parents and family say to her. She just can't relay back the words, and is only able to say very few words, such as, mama, and hi. Her family and therapists have taught her to use sign language, so that she is able to say things like please, thank you, more, up, milk, I want, yes and no.
Currently, she is going to the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute two days of the week for physical therapy. She also sees speech, physical and adaptive therapists through the Owatonna School system one day a week. In the mean time, her family continues to deal with uncooperative insurance companies.
In the end, they receive assistance, but there also is the expense of driving, doctoring and getting help when her parents have to work. All the while, there’s that stress of knowing she needs all the help she can get.
Sometimes it might not be there. In those times, there are silent tears of love for this spunky little child. Family, friends, neighbors and folks with empathy help in any way they can because every little bit helps to fill the gaps.
She is the daughter of Travis Woodfill and Karen Johnson, of Owatonna, and a special little sister to 12-year-old Taylore and four-year-old Sophie. Both have tried to keep up with all the medical expenses that her care has entailed. Karen works at the Aldi Warehouse in Faribault and Travis is self-employed.
Rorie and Sophie stay with Travis' parents, Dennis and Mary Ann Woodfill, in Owatonna three days of the week and spend two days a week at an in-home day care. Karen’s parents, Randall and Kathleen Johnson live in Nekoosa, Wisconsin and aren't able to help out "hands on" or spend a great deal of time with the girls.
Travis and Karen do call, send video messages and text to keep Randall and Kathleen up to date with her progress. Rorie’s grandmother, Mary Ann Woodfill made and donated a quilt for a special drawing at her April 10th benefit. And believe it or not, her grandmother Johnson was the lucky winner.
Karen and Travis have learned how to assist Rorie with therapy at home. They also try as many "family things" as they can with their girls. Taylore and Sophie are big helpers when it comes to taking care and spending time with Rorie.
The family has been able to enjoy many blessings along the way. Imagine looking her big brown eyes, as her big sisters serve coffee for Sunday breakfast. They even clear the table too.
Rorie is a very special child. She is happy, mellow and quite relaxed considering all the developmental problems that she has had to endure.
The family extends a humble thank you to Zion Lutheran Church and its members, along with all the people who donated and helped with the event. They also thank all those who took time to share breakfast and gave monetary donations. Thoughtfulness and thankfulness go hand-in-hand in wishing this little lady well.
