Alexander was born extremely premature under very critical circumstances. Despite a body that was initially not ready for the world, he has overcome countless challenges and shown incredible progress. Now, four years later, he is an active boy who loves to explore the world in his NF-Walker.
In this article you can read about:
- Alexander and his family
- A challenging beginning
- Hopeful moments
- Alexander doesn´t let anything stop him
- The first steps
- The significance of the NF-Walker in Motor Development
- Living life to the fullest
Alexander and his family
Alexander is a determined 4-year-old boy always eager for new adventures. His interests are as vibrant as his spirit, including listening to music, dancing, and reading books. He finds joy in anything that makes noise and moves, and he revels in the thrill of speed and motion.
With his unlimited curiosity and joy for exploration, he leads his mum Susanne and dad Tomas on an endless journey filled with discoveries and small victories. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs, and Alexander's face lights up with pride as he conquers them. His courage and zest for life are truly inspiring, touching the hearts of everyone he meets. His journey is a poignant reminder of the incredible strength that can blossom from the most fragile beginnings.
Watch Alexander´s story and him using his NF-walker:
A challenging beginning
Susanne and Tomas had struggled for many years to have a child, so when they learned that a little life was growing inside Susanne, their joy was immense. However, their happiness quickly turned to worry when Susanne suddenly experienced severe abdominal pain in the 24th week of pregnancy. Under dramatic circumstances that nearly cost both Susanne and the baby their lives, Alexander was born at 24 weeks and 3 days, weighing only 750 grams and measuring 30 centimeters long, through an emergency C-section.
In the first few weeks, the new family was thrown between hope and despair. When Alexander was just a few days old, he suffered a severe brain hemorrhage. Although Alexander seemed to recover well from this frightening event, the next setback came quickly. Due to his extreme prematurity, Alexander's lungs were underdeveloped and close to collapsing. The parents had to prepare for the worst while Alexander fought for his life on a ventilator. But once again, he showed incredible will to survive.
Hopeful moments
Alexander was born so early that his eyes hadn't yet opened. His parents, filled with fear and sorrow, worried that Alexander might pass away without ever seeing them. Therefore, it was an unforgettable and emotional moment when Alexander, a little more than two weeks after his birth, finally opened his eyes. It was not only an important developmental milestone but also a source of immense joy, happiness, and hope amidst all the difficulties
After spending five months in the hospital, the family was finally able to return home. However, Alexander became ill again and needed hospital care once more. This time, he was diagnosed with meningitis, and once again, the family had to put their lives on hold. Despite the challenging memories associated with Alexander's periods of illness, his mother Susanne remembers one particular moment with warmth. "When Alexander had meningitis, he was in considerable pain, and for several days, he attempted to smile at me, but the pain was too severe. Therefore, it was a significant milestone when he was able to smile and laugh again. Tears of joy streamed down my face”.
Alexander is unstoppable
During Alexander's first year of life, he spent eight months in the hospital, mostly lying still. When Alexander was just over a year old, he could finally start discovering his body and developing his abilities.
Read more: «What is cerebral palsy?»
What is extreme prematurity?
A baby is considered extremely premature when born before the 28th week of pregnancy. This means the baby is at least 12 weeks early. Such premature births are often associated with a low birth weight, usually less than 1000 grams. Unfortunately, extremely premature babies have an increased risk of health problems and complications due to their immature organs and systems. The intensive care they require immediately after birth is crucial for their survival and development.
The first steps
When Alexander was 2.5 years old, it was time for him to try out his first gait trainer. The physiotherapist suggested they try an NF-Walker, as it could provide support for his entire body and guide him through the stepping motion with walking poles, since he wasn't initiating any steps on his own yet. Because Alexander was so small, just about 70 cm tall, a microkit was necessary for the NF-Walker. A microkit includes smaller wheels to get closer to the ground, allowing even small children to benefit from the aid. With curious eyes and a big smile, Alexander took his first steps during the try out at the assistive technology center. This marked the beginning of a rapid journey in motor development 
Read More: “Why Is Early Childhood Intervention so Important?”
The Significance of the NF-Walker in Motor Development
Alexander had just learned to sit, albeit somewhat unsteadily, when he received his NF-Walker. Following the introduction of this assistive device, his parents noticed a significant acceleration in his motor development. They observed a clear improvement in his stability and balance, both in sitting and standing postures, as well as an increased use of his body for developing other motor skills. Alexander swiftly acquired the ability to crawl and gradually began pulling himself up against furniture. His father, Tomas, recounts his astonishment upon entering the living room one day to find Alexander sitting on the couch, laughing, happy, and proud of having climbed up there independently. 
With daily use of the NF-Walker, Alexander improved his confidence and independence in movement. Initially, the walking poles guided his steps, but over time, he relied more on his own strength. Eventually, the walking poles were removed, and now Alexander walks independently at high speed using his NF-Walker.
«Since he loves movement, we notice how happy and joyful he becomes now that he has learned to move around on his own in the NF-Walker» Susanne, mother of Alexander
Susanne, Alexander's mother, explains that the NF-Walker has provided benefits beyond motor development. By allowing him to stand, Alexander can view the world from a different perspective, aligning him with his peers' at eye level. Additionally, having both hands free enables him to use them more effectively than when he is crawling. He can reach, grasp, and hold objects with greater ease. This positively affects him by offering the opportunity to become more independent, and it may also enhance his confidence to achieve even more on his own, Susanne continues.
Read more: What your child can gain from using the NF-Walker
Living life to the fullest
Alexander's journey has been filled with challenges that few can imagine. With a body that was initially not ready for the world, he has undergone countless treatments and fought for every progression. The little boy, who was once so fragile, showed a determination that inspired everyone around him. Over time, Alexander has not only learned to walk; he has conquered the world on his own terms and lives life to the fullest.
For Susanne and Tomas, life has become a journey of taking each day as it comes Although there are times when challenges arise, they understand that it is permissible to pause and begin anew. With this perspective, they ensure to value every moment with Alexander and consistently admire his growth and inquisitiveness about life
Each day spent with Alexander is filled with a sense of discovery, and his enthusiasm for life positively influences those around him. Demonstrating determination, courage, and resilience, Alexander exemplifies the ability to overcome significant challenges.
His father, Tomas, refers to Alexander as their "little miracle," stating: "We struggled for many years to have him, and when he finally arrived, we were uncertain if he would remain with us. Today, we are fortunate to see a very joyful boy who continues to make remarkable progress." His mother, Susanne, adds: "He truly is our role model and superhero." 
Thank you, Alexander, Susanne, and Tomas, for sharing your story. Let us all appreciate every moment and never give up hope, no matter what obstacles we face along the way. Every step forward, no matter how small or large, is a step towards a brighter future.
