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Victor, Oscar and Mylo Kokes: Growing Together
Ariane and Martin Kokes were excited first-time parents. On, October 23rd, 2011, triplets Victor, Oscar and Mylo were born at 28 weeks gestation due to a birth complication. Oscar and Mylo went home after just a couple months, however Victor, the smallest of the infants, had a much longer hospital stay.
Today, the triplets are five years old. In addition to some of the typical challenges experienced by a premature birth, testing revealed that Victor has a rare congenital brain condition which causes developmental delays, fine motor and oral motor issues, attention and impulse control challenges as well as epilepsy. Mylo is high functioning on the Autism Spectrum and has speech delays. Oscar seems to be thriving without any physical or behavioral challenges. As the Kokes navigate their new world, Ariane Kokes is thankful for the supportive team of therapists at CKRI.
Victor started receiving services from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute when he was about 18 months old. "Kim Noha was amazing," said Ariane Kokes. "I clearly remember her telling us that Victor has all of the pieces to be walking, and he'll get there by his second birthday." Victor worked hard and loved his therapy and therapist. Sure enough, by his second birthday, Victor was walking. As he continued to knock down his physical challenges, occupational and speech therapies were added.
Mylo receives speech therapy at Courage Kenny to help with articulation and communication. Ariane recalls how Mylo would give up and walk away when he wasn't understood. Today, he speaks more clearly and he has gained the confidence to speak and tell his stories. "There is no doubt Mylo gets his words out now and his incredibly imaginative way of seeing the world brightens our days and keeps us laughing!" says mom.
Oscar, as with many siblings of special needs children, spends a lot of time in medical office lobbies. Ariane appreciates Courage Kenny for making Oscar feel welcome in their home away from home. "The beautiful grounds, wonderful artwork, amazing sandbox and endless supply of new coloring sheets and books have made him feel like he has a reason to be there, too", says mom. In addition to the therapies that have served the Kokes family so well, the boys have spent many hours in the pool at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Golden Valley, where they have participated in adaptive and group lessons.
"It was great to have the opportunity to be in the pool together even though the boys' needs are very different." They have also enjoyed the summer sessions of Special Olympics Young Athletes Programs. "Those hours in the pool and class were wonderful learning experiences for our boys and priceless respite for us."
"I love ALL my Courage Kenny friends," says Victor.
Today, the triplets are five years old. In addition to some of the typical challenges experienced by a premature birth, testing revealed that Victor has a rare congenital brain condition which causes developmental delays, fine motor and oral motor issues, attention and impulse control challenges as well as epilepsy. Mylo is high functioning on the Autism Spectrum and has speech delays. Oscar seems to be thriving without any physical or behavioral challenges. As the Kokes navigate their new world, Ariane Kokes is thankful for the supportive team of therapists at CKRI.
Victor started receiving services from Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute when he was about 18 months old. "Kim Noha was amazing," said Ariane Kokes. "I clearly remember her telling us that Victor has all of the pieces to be walking, and he'll get there by his second birthday." Victor worked hard and loved his therapy and therapist. Sure enough, by his second birthday, Victor was walking. As he continued to knock down his physical challenges, occupational and speech therapies were added.
Mylo receives speech therapy at Courage Kenny to help with articulation and communication. Ariane recalls how Mylo would give up and walk away when he wasn't understood. Today, he speaks more clearly and he has gained the confidence to speak and tell his stories. "There is no doubt Mylo gets his words out now and his incredibly imaginative way of seeing the world brightens our days and keeps us laughing!" says mom.
Oscar, as with many siblings of special needs children, spends a lot of time in medical office lobbies. Ariane appreciates Courage Kenny for making Oscar feel welcome in their home away from home. "The beautiful grounds, wonderful artwork, amazing sandbox and endless supply of new coloring sheets and books have made him feel like he has a reason to be there, too", says mom. In addition to the therapies that have served the Kokes family so well, the boys have spent many hours in the pool at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute - Golden Valley, where they have participated in adaptive and group lessons.
"It was great to have the opportunity to be in the pool together even though the boys' needs are very different." They have also enjoyed the summer sessions of Special Olympics Young Athletes Programs. "Those hours in the pool and class were wonderful learning experiences for our boys and priceless respite for us."
"I love ALL my Courage Kenny friends," says Victor.