In October 2020, 31-year-old Paula Lang, of Sullivan, Mo., was busy enjoying a rather uneventful first pregnancy. However, during a routine 35-week ultrasound, Lang learned her daughter, Amelia, had a medical complication: hydrocephalus – a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles deep within the brain.

The day after her birth, Amelia was transferred via ambulance to St. Louis Children’s Hospital for further evaluation and treatment by Jennifer Strahle, MD, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the hospital. Amelia first underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), where a tiny hole is made to drain the fluid and relieve pressure, before eventually having a surgical shunt placed several weeks later.

“The shunt worked beautifully,” said Lang. “Dr. Strahle then recommended Amelia begin weekly therapy as soon as possible to reduce her risk for developmental delays. I asked if we could have Amelia undergo therapy at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital’s Therapy & Wellness Center since it’s practically in our backyard.”

In February 2021, at three months old, Amelia was evaluated by two therapists at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital’s Therapy & Wellness Center, who created a tailored therapy plan to help address Amelia’s needs. She began visiting the Center every Tuesday for physical and occupational therapy sessions.

“Amelia is pretty stubborn, so I was worried she wouldn’t respond well to her therapists and their expectations,” said Lang. “I often joke that it’s Amelia’s world...everything she does is on her terms. But her therapists meet Amelia exactly where she is to get her to engage with her therapy.”

It’s working. After nearly three years of ongoing physical and occupational therapies, Amelia has made incredible strides with her development. To read more about Amelia's story, which is

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