A high-five and hope for Lincoln

Learn more about MercyOne Pediatric Therapy

The first thing you notice about Lincoln Riley is his infectious smile. 

“Most people are surprised he's always so happy, and we are not just making it up. When they meet him in person, they say, ‘Oh my gosh, he is like this. You're not just taking small moments and posting them on Facebook. He's like this all the time.’ And a lot of people, even strangers, are surprised. They ask about his wheelchair, and they are surprised that he's so happy,” said Lucas Riley, Lincoln’s dad. 

Lincoln, 3, of Buffalo, Iowa, was born with the rare condition Baraitser-Winter syndrome. The genetic condition affects the development of many parts of the body, particularly the face and brain. It’s so rare that fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the medical literature, according to a peer-reviewed paper published by MedlinePlus. 

“It's a global developmental delay. So, it causes intellectual and physical disabilities,” Lucas said. 

When Lincoln was only 9 weeks old, his pediatrician recommended that his parents take him to therapy at MercyOne Bettendorf Genesis Pediatric Therapy (GOPEDS).

“She did the head lag test, and he wouldn’t pick up his head. Ever since then, we have been coming here and rarely missed a week,” Lucas said. 

When Lincoln goes through his weekly therapy sessions with Genesis Physical Therapist Brynn Boderman, you can see why his parents believe their son has exceeded all their expectations. 

“We are working to piece together his gross motor development, such as keeping his head up, sitting and transitioning to standing. As a result of his therapy, Lincoln has progressed from standing into walking,” Brynn said.

“Doctors in Iowa City told us he may never lift his head, and now he is doing all kinds of things that we never thought he’d do. He has good days like today, and days that aren't so good. But I'm always proud of him. Almost every week, we're seeing progress, and he is getting stronger every time we're here,” Lucas said. 

Lucas and Sarah Riley are excited about their son’s future, but they are realistic about what that future might look like. 

“We are not expecting a miracle and that he will suddenly start walking one day. But we know we must come here and put in the time, and it will be years, but that’s what he will need to progress. And eventually, we are hoping he’ll be running around the house one day,” Lucas said. 

The Rileys want their story to help other parents get the help they need for their children. They would have never guessed that a child could start physical therapy at 9 weeks old and suspect other parents don’t either.

“If a parent thinks something might be a little off or they don't think their kids are doing the same thing their friends' kids are doing at the same age, they should go to their pediatrician and bring up those concerns, and they could recommend that you start therapy,” urged Lucas. 

Lincoln loves giving high-fives. He loves music and dancing after a diaper change. These are the moments that his parents cherish and fill them with gratitude. 

“I think without MercyOne Genesis GOPEDS and therapy, he would probably just be lying in a bed – all day, every day and not experiencing life the way he should be,” Lucas said.