Making of a Miracle

Second grader faces arthrogryposis with help from INTEGRIS

Miracle Garramone loves to swim.

The feeling of weightlessness in the water gives the eight-year-old a sense of freedom from arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) — a condition she was born with that led to multiple congenital malformations in her arms, hands and legs and limits the range of motion of her joints.

“In the water, it’s a whole different ballgame for her,” said Jennifer Cruz, Miracle’s guardian.

In fact, Miracle loves swimming so much that she says she wants to be a mermaid/veterinarian when she grows up. But becoming a doctor and physical therapist are also on her career wish list.

“Miracle has quite the career she is going to have,” Jennifer said with a smile.

But challenges are nothing new for the Cashion Wildcat second grader from Kingfisher, Okla.

She has been going to physical therapy at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation since she was less than one month old and has already endured six different surgeries in her young age due to AMC.

“It makes my arms and my legs different,” Miracle said of her condition. “I just tell people who ask that I was just born with it and it makes me special.”

Physical therapy and surgery aim to improve patients’ range of motion, and the staff at INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation have been there for Miracle every step of the way.

“She doesn’t meet a challenge that is too much for her,” Jennifer said.

The “Home Run For Life” series continues Friday night as the OKC Dodgers partner with INTEGRIS to recognize Miracle during the Dodgers’ game against the Nashville Sounds at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

“Home Run For Life” honors individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“Five times a season we are proud to welcome these extraordinary Oklahomans to take the field at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “This is the ninth straight year we have partnered with INTEGRIS to honor these amazing individuals’ perseverance and courage to overcome major health challenges.”

INTEGRIS Pediatric Physical Therapist Audrey Fluitt said she first met Miracle when she was 25 days old and they have worked together for more than eight years now. Audrey pushes her to maintain her strength and mobility for as long as possible.

“Miracle has a lot of obstacles to overcome and she just meets every one with such a positive attitude,” Audrey said. “She’s truly an inspiration. We try to make our therapy fun, so it’s something the children enjoy doing.”

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Angela Showman assists Miracle in being able to pick up small objects that translate to buttoning clothing, zipping a coat or using utensils to eat.

“So she doesn’t have to rely on other people to do it for her,” Angela said. “Some days it can seem really easy for her and other days it can be a struggle, but she powers through it. She really does work very hard.”

Jennifer said each time Miracle grows, it’s like she has to start over with her progress and Miracle has been growing a lot lately.

“She is growing, but her muscles don’t catch up,” Jennifer said.

Since there is no cure for arthrogryposis, physical therapy is vital for Miracle.

Her positivity and drive during her sessions have been noticed by many.

Miracle was named a 2018 recipient of the INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Courage Award, which was established in 1994 as a way to recognize and honor individuals who have overcome disabilities and face the challenges of rehabilitation with courage and determination.

“She knows every time she’s there is one day closer to reaching all of her goals,” Jennifer said. “Can’t is not in Miracle’s vocabulary — never has been. She always keeps trying, keeps trying, keeps trying. My hope is that she realizes that the world is hers and there’s not anything she can’t accomplish.

“She truly is a miracle… and every day she lives up to her name.”