My name is Paula Tillery. I have a beautiful 4 year old grandson, named D.J. He was born at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL prematurely at 28 weeks. His birth weight was 2 lbs. 11 oz. He was diagnosed with alobar HPE when he was approximately 1 week old. Thankfully, D. J. did not have any of the midline facial deformities associated with HPE. He is however missing one of the middle incisors.

Although he has the mildest form of HPE, D.J. has experienced problems with speech and motor skills. At the present time he is unable to walk unassisted.

He has been getting the bo tox shots at the Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, S.C. They have helped tremendously. He is now able to get up and into his walker unaided and can walk the length of the hall and around inside the house by himself.

His speech is improving daily. He is a bright, clever boy and to see him today you would never guess that he was once a preemie.

If you would like to contact me, my e-mail address is pptiller@samford.edu.