'Becoming Karl'
a brain-injured baby's journey to recovery
- by Norma Delgarno
'In writing this story I hope to raise the profile of prenatal infections, in particular toxoplasmosis; and also to give hope to those parents whose babies have been brain-injured'
On New Year's Eve 1966 Norma Delgarno
gave birth to her first child, Karl.
The baby had been infected in utero by toxoplasmosis. He had suffered multiple organ disease and massive eye and brain damage. After spending several months in hospital, Karl's doctors believed that he would in all probability be ineducable, and that he should go to an institution for the handicapped.
Norma took him home and demanded treatment for the advanced hydrocephalus that was threatening to kill him. Once Karl recovered from the operation, Norma began healing their shattered bonds, and creating an environment that would encourage Karl's damaged brain to develop.
- 'This is the story of toxoplasmosis and hydrocephalus. Here we have a true story spanning more than forty years, and backed by sound research' - Dr J. Dilworth Matthews, paediatrician.
gave birth to her first child, Karl.
The baby had been infected in utero by toxoplasmosis. He had suffered multiple organ disease and massive eye and brain damage. After spending several months in hospital, Karl's doctors believed that he would in all probability be ineducable, and that he should go to an institution for the handicapped.
Norma took him home and demanded treatment for the advanced hydrocephalus that was threatening to kill him. Once Karl recovered from the operation, Norma began healing their shattered bonds, and creating an environment that would encourage Karl's damaged brain to develop.
- 'This is the story of toxoplasmosis and hydrocephalus. Here we have a true story spanning more than forty years, and backed by sound research' - Dr J. Dilworth Matthews, paediatrician.
NOW AVAILABLE 0N KINDLE at AMAZON.COM http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Karl-brain-injured-recovery-ebook/dp/B00B2UMU5U/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1351792650&sr=1-1
- A touching, inspiring personal memoir of one mother's experience of congenital toxoplasmosis and hydrocephalus; spanning over 40 years, and backed by sound research. - the late Dr Jack Dilworth Matthews, paediatrician.
- A fascinating read from cover to cover, of great interest to the general reader. Hard to put down. - Reah Monet, music therapist, singer.
- A story of immense interest to the general reader, along with those involved in early childhood education, speech, and reading. - Denise O'Hagan, editor.
- A rivetting story, well-written in an accessible and vivid style. A 'must' for the general reader, as well as those interested in recovery from brain injury and early childhood education. - Dr Marian Mare, Phd. Psych.
- Prospective mothers, midwives, doctors can learn from this book: with accurate knowledge and foresight these tragedies can be avoided. - the late Dr Philip Wrightson, neurosurgeon.
- A fascinating read from cover to cover, of great interest to the general reader. Hard to put down. - Reah Monet, music therapist, singer.
- A story of immense interest to the general reader, along with those involved in early childhood education, speech, and reading. - Denise O'Hagan, editor.
- A rivetting story, well-written in an accessible and vivid style. A 'must' for the general reader, as well as those interested in recovery from brain injury and early childhood education. - Dr Marian Mare, Phd. Psych.
- Prospective mothers, midwives, doctors can learn from this book: with accurate knowledge and foresight these tragedies can be avoided. - the late Dr Philip Wrightson, neurosurgeon.
Article from a local Auckland newspaper (March 7th 2012):
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/6535664/How-to-persist-and-win
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/6535664/How-to-persist-and-win
Natasha, Norma, Karl: June 2012
Today Karl lives independently in an apartment with his cat Sophie. He works two days a week at the local supermarket, and in his spare time he is an artist, working in oils, water-colours, acrylics, and computer-generated art.
See www.karlrothko.com
See www.karlrothko.com
