Mrs. Crabtree (Wright) has recently just returned from maternity leave. She gave birth to her son, Elliot, on September 17, 2014. While on leave, she faced several heartbreaking events. Newborn Elliott was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). AMC has no known cause, and it causes the joints to move freely as normal people. It also causes muscle weakness. These symptoms together make movement more difficult. Baby Elliot was born with a broken femur and tibia. After giving birth, most mothers are able to hold their babies, but because of his broken bones Mrs. Crabtree was only able to touch her newborn son’s face. After two long weeks, she was finally able to hold her son in her arms.

One positive part of this disease is that the disease does not continue to get worse. Baby Elliot was was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UT Medical for forty-four days. Mrs. Crabtree said, “It was difficult to come home every night without him.” Not only was she not able to bring him home, she had to sit in waiting rooms while her son was in surgery. One can only imagine the hardship she endured while her newborn baby was under the scalpel.

Finally, the dark cloud was lifted, and Baby Elliot was able to come home. Once he was released, Elliot had about ten doctors appointments in the span of seven weeks. Mrs. Crabtree, her husband, and Elliot travelled to South Carolina to see a doctor who specialized in this illness. Baby Elliot has already endured ten weeks of feet casting, six weeks of hand bracing, and two surgeries. This is unimaginable for such a young baby to go through. Baby Elliot is on the road to recovery and is currently attending therapy three times a week.

Mrs. Crabtree is very happy to be back with all of the students and teachers. She said, “I was very touched by the love and support from my students and fellow teachers and was looking forward to returning.” She also missed the climate at LC and how positive it was. Mrs. Crabtree said, “ I have realized how fortunate I am to work for and with such amazing and supportive people. Welcome back Mrs. Crabtree!