Small but Mighty: RJ’s Journey with Children’s Specialized Hospital
11-month-old Roderick Junior—RJ, as his family and friends affectionately call him—is as cute and giggly as they come. His parents, DavaLynn and Roderick Senior, welcomed their son on December 21, 2023, though his arrival had unexpected challenges. While DavaLynn was pregnant, RJ was in a breech position, squeezed between multiple fibroids; as a result, he was delivered via C-section. Born six weeks early and weighing just five pounds, RJ was a little fighter from the very start.
Shortly after his birth, RJ’s parents noticed a slimming of his head shape and sought guidance from their doctor. She referred them to Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) in Hamilton where they met with Physical Therapist, Lindsay Clark. After a careful evaluation, Lindsay and the team at CSH diagnosed RJ with torticollis, a condition causing his head to tilt to one side and recommended physical therapy to begin immediately.
Physical therapy quickly made a huge difference. With gentle stretches and stim treatments to relax his muscles, RJ gained the ability to turn his head left and right. His head wasn’t tilting as much, and he was growing stronger by the day. Yet, the journey wasn’t over. A cranial specialist soon confirmed that RJ had severe plagiocephaly, or “flat head syndrome,” but assured DavaLynn and Roderick Senior that everything CSH had implemented was exactly what RJ needed.
Today, RJ is a lively, determined little boy who’s making strides and reaching milestones. Once predicted to have stunted growth, he’s now scooting around, climbing, and starting to pull himself up. Therapy has strengthened his core, giving him more independence to move and explore the world around him. He’s even become a little celebrity of sorts, recently signing with two modeling agencies. His parents’ goal for RJ is to raise awareness for kids with unique health challenges—a true advocate in the making.
Just like most babies his age, RJ loves watching Ms.Rachel, Bluey, and Dancing Fruit on YouTube, playing in his ball pit, trying new foods (his new favorites being bananas, sweet potatoes, and oatmeal that is made special by his grandma) and playing with other children.
Beyond physical gains, RJ’s progress has given DavaLynn and Roderick Senior the comfort that comes with deep trust in your medical provider. “I have so much confidence in them,” DavaLynn shares. “I trust them more than I do my own pediatrician sometimes.” So much so that RJ is in the process of switching to CSH’s special needs primary care services, knowing they’re not just caregivers—they’re partners on their family’s journey.
Through everything, RJ’s parents are proud of their son’s resilience and his ability to face challenges with joy. As they often say, “He’s small but mighty.” The journey hasn’t always been easy, but with CSH by their side, RJ’s parents have real hope for his future. His story is a beacon of strength and a reminder of the importance of finding the right care and support.
“RJ started at CSH as a tiny three-week-old infant with torticollis,” said Physical Therapist, Lindsay Clark. “Thanks to his family’s diligence and participation in therapy he is growing and meeting all his milestones. It’s been such a pleasure to watch him grow!”
Looking ahead, DavaLynn and Roderick Senior have dreams for RJ that are as boundless as his spirit. They hope he’ll walk, crawl, and maybe even say a few words soon. And as he grows, they envision him as an advocate for other kids trying to navigate a life-limiting injury or illness--a voice for those whose stories deserve to be told.