Richard was born on April 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was nicknamed Buddha because he was so chubby, but now I like to say it's because he has infinite wisdom beyond his years! Although he may not do things like other children his age, he seems to have an "old soul".
He was born with CHARGE Syndrome (formerly known as CHARGE syndrome). "CHARGE" is an acronym for the set of criteria which determines the diagnosis, however recently the criteria have changed. His manifestations are: bilateral colobomata (coloboma of the iris and optic nerve in right eye and coloboma of just the optic nerve in the left eye); an atrial septal defect; right ureteral duplication and a lower pole cortical defect on the right kidney; mental and growth retardation; cryptorchidism (corrected in 1998); and curved, low-set ears. Other non-CHARGE diagnoses (although they all seemed to become more pertinent as time goes on) are: cerebral palsy (periventricular leukomalacia), epilepsy, peripheral pulmonic stenosis, mega cisterna magna, generalized bone demineralization, autistic behavior and dysarthria. Richard has come a long way, progressing slowly and steadily. He has quite a personality and is such a happy and friendly boy. He really brings so much joy to our lives. He teaches me a lot, in his own way, namely and most importantly, patience!
Richard loves to play video games on his Game Boy or Game Cube. He is really good at Donkey Kong, Super Smash Brothers Melee and Kirby. He also likes to watch Ed, Edd and Eddy and other Cartoon Network shows. He loves riding the bus to school and eating pancakes at Denny's. He likes to "swim" in the jacuzzi and LOVES fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. He also likes to embarrass me by asking me aloud in public "Did you call me butthead??". What a little stinker!
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