Dear Dr. Schlessinger, 

I am a 61-year-old pediatrician and have been listening to you since the late 1980s. 

My heart was in my mouth today during your call with the 39-year-old engineer whose 3-year-old daughter was severely disabled: blind, G-tube fed with non-ambulatory cerebral palsy. I have looked after countless families in this position. It's often difficult to diagnose the exact cause of cerebral palsy - unless there is an obvious cause such as a disastrous birth or extreme prematurity. Many cases are thought to originate from chronic unpreventable and undetectable placental insufficiency. From her mother's description, I would guess it's unlikely the child will progress much further. Parents and I, while following a child after a difficult birth with potential brain damage, hold our breaths until age 1 - 2 years of age. Every new milestone is a miracle, but they do tend to occur within that time frame. 

Listening to you over the decades has improved my own life immeasurably - especially my marriage of 36 years to my wonderful husband! And I quote you often in my pediatric office. I remain one of your greatest fans. 

With warmest regards and best wishes, 

Dr. Jane