This 3-year-old with cerebral palsy counting out his steps inspires
If you need some inspiration, Oliver Fulkerson, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, delivers.
Oliver, of Millwood, Kentucky, was filmed by his mom giving his all as he practiced walking with a new crutch during a physical therapy session last month.
The boy counted each and every step he took, showing how hard he's working to make progress.
"I think he's just amazing," Oliver's mom, Kelley Fulkerson, told "Good Morning America." "That's why I shared the video, just to give other parents inspiration and hope."
Oliver was born at 30 weeks and weighed just over 3 pounds, according to Fulkerson.
Just a week after Oliver was born, doctors discovered a brain hemorrhage. He spent seven weeks in the neo-natal intensive care unit and started physical therapy at 6 months old.
Just before his second birthday, Oliver, who didn't crawl until several months past his first birthday, was diagnosed with left-side hemiplegia cerebral palsy.
"It affects his whole left side of the body," Fulkerson said. "It's really difficult for him to hold onto the crutch on the left side so that's why we had him walk with one."
Oliver can get easily distracted at physical therapy, so counting his steps helps him focus, according to Fulkerson. He also loves Mickey Mouse, which is why he likes to wear his beloved mouse ears to therapy.
"He's very determined and really doesn't let stuff hold him back," Fulkerson said of Oliver. "Everybody just falls in love with him, and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom."
