RANYA (AGE 5)

A resilient girl who stood for the first time with the help of her brace.

Ranya is a bright five-year-old with spina bifida, a condition that affects her spinal cord and limits her ability to stand or walk. When she first arrived at Ronahî, she spoke very little and rarely interacted with others. Now, when circle time begins, Ranya joins in, singing softly, and speaking more freely. Her parents say she talks constantly these days with her siblings, so much that her brother laughs and says, “Stop talking!”

The day Ranya stood upright for the first time is one her teachers will never forget. With the help of a donated supportive brace, they gently lifted her into position for a few minutes. Her mother’s eyes filled with tears, saying she never thought she would see her daughter stand.

Now, her parents bring Ranya faithfully to the center, filled with hope for what’s ahead. Ranya receives regular therapy to strengthen her posture and continues her academic lessons alongside her classmates.

Therapy & Support

• Diagnosis: Spina bifida and selective mutism

• Focus: Strengthening posture and upper body control; increasing speech confidence

• Goal: Improve strength in upper limbs to hop with a brace and walker

• Needs: Uses Hip-Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis (HKAFO) for stability 

• Personality: Thoughtful, expressive, and courageous