William Frederick Erickson
Our thirteenth & fourteenth Inspirational Family is the Erickson family. William Erickson is a two year old boy living in Brighton, MI.
William has a genetic disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1. SMA is a rare degenerative neuromuscular disorder that robs children of the ability to move, without any effect to their mind. When William was 6 months old, it became apparent to his parents that something was wrong.
William’s strength had progressively declined continuing until he was unable to sit unassisted with no movement in his legs. His legs had always been weaker than a typical child his age, but the regression in his core and arm strength was a sign that something more than just delayed development might be going on. His parents were able to get an appointment with Genetics and Neurology doctors at C.S. Mott Children’s hospital the next week and at that appointment William was officially diagnosed with SMA.
The team at Mott took extraordinary steps for William to receive a new type of therapy for SMA. Before treatment, William’s life expectancy was two years of age. Following his treatment, William has made slow, but steady gains of strength. His daily routine includes performing medical treatments for his lungs as his ability to breath and cough is limited due to his weakened chest wall muscles. William has regular physical therapy sessions and aqua therapy to work on developing muscle and improving his range of motion.
William loves to play, even though a lot of his “play” time involves important exercises recommended by his therapists. At this time, he remains unable to sit unassisted and cannot move his legs against gravity. He remains on steroids for drug induced hepatitis, which is a complication of his treatment. The therapy he received is so new, that the future of William’s physical development, or any potential side effects of treatment are unknown.
The Erickson family celebrates the small victories every week. They are amazed to see William gain a new skill, such as, being able to push a button on his toy, on his own for the first time. His face lights up and he looks at his parents with wide, shining eyes. Every day William amazes those around him with his ability to keep a smile on his face despite his daily challenges. He has received medical intervention for his disease, but the real treatment has been in his strength and perseverance to fight every day.
William is the son to Christine and Jack Erickson.