She was quickly transferred from their hometown of Lockeford to a higher level of care, where doctors worked to delay delivery and support Rylan’s lung development. After weeks in the hospital, an infection led to an emergency C-section. Rylan was born weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces, and spent the next two months in the neonatal intensive care unit.
While Rylan overcame feeding issues and surgery for hernias before coming home in August 2022, his parents soon noticed he wasn’t meeting typical milestones. At 5 months, he wasn’t rolling over. By December, a head tilt led to referrals, exams and a search for answers. Doctors noted high muscle tone in his legs and arms, but low tone in his trunk. After genetic testing, Rylan received an MRI during an emergency room visit, when he was curled in a C-shape and crying.
The image confirmed a diagnosis of spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP) shortly before his second birthday.
Cerebral palsy is a general term applied to many conditions that can result from a disturbance to the developing brain. CP affects muscle tone, movement and coordination. Common activities such as speaking, standing or sitting can be challenging for children with CP, and can have associated health conditions related to cognition, speech, vision, hearing, breathing issues or difficulty eating and swallowing. Spastic diplegia is a form of cerebral palsy characterized by stiff limbs, with the legs typically more affected than the arms.
Since beginning care at Shriners Children’s Northern California in late 2024, his family has felt supported, understood and equipped with a clear plan for the first time.
Now 3, Rylan is a smiling, determined little boy who loves monster trucks, Hot Wheels and finding his own way to keep up with his big brother, Cole.
Kylie knew about Shriners Children’s Northern California because her younger brother was treated in the hospital’s hand and upper extremity program. She did not learn about its specialized care for cerebral palsy until she saw a news segment highlighting the program. She scheduled an appointment and finally met with Vedant Kulkarni, M.D., assistant chief of orthopedics.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Kylie said. “Rylan loved him and his whistling. We didn’t feel like just another patient to be rushed out.” Dr. Kulkarni went over a clear plan and answered all their questions. “We finally felt relaxed and knew he was in the best hands.”
Rylan’s care team focuses on maximizing his function, managing spasticity, and supporting him in reaching his goals. His treatment plan is tailored to his needs and includes botulinum toxin injections in his calves and hamstrings to manage spasticity, along with medication to help relieve muscle pain. He has been under the care of Loren Davidson, M.D., since his initial visit.
“Rylan loves Dr. Davidson,” Kylie said. “He has been super helpful throughout Rylan’s care. During our visits, he makes sure we have all our questions answered.”
Dr. Davidson referred the family to a neurosurgeon, and Rylan is scheduled for selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery between ages 4 and 5 to permanently reduce tightness in his legs. He may need tendon lengthening procedures in the future, depending on his development.
He wears ankle-foot orthoses, which he loves picking out – his current pair features a safari animal design. While he hasn’t needed serial casting yet, he’s become a pro at clinic visits, hardly phased by casting or appointments. He receives physical therapy through local programs and his school district.
It was absolutely amazing. We didn’t feel like just another patient to be rushed out. We finally felt relaxed and knew he was in the best hands.
Rylan is motivated by his 6-year-old brother, Cole, who helps him with his walker and cheers him on. When Rylan first got his reverse gait trainer, he wanted nothing to do with it – until Cole took Rylan’s old push walker and chased him around the house with it, turning therapy into a game.
“Rylan wants to do everything everyone else does,” Kylie said. “He’s fearless.”
He loves open play at a local gym, tackling courses, foam pits and rope swings in his own way. His parents encourage him with a family motto: “The sky is the limit.”
To help Cole understand his brother’s diagnosis, the family reads a children’s book about cerebral palsy. “It’s been super helpful,” Kylie said. “Now, every time we go to Shriners Children’s, Cole comes along. He sees it’s not just for fun, but he also sees the support.”
The family’s connection to the Shriners Children’s community deepened when they attended the Walk for Love™ event in 2024. “It was amazing to see patients doing what they want to do, not letting anything hold them back,” said Kylie.
This year, they formed “Rylan’s Super Squad.” Rylan served as the Grand Marshal and cut the ribbon to start the walk. “He had so much fun,” Kylie said. “It was incredible seeing all the support.”
For Kylie, sharing their story is about offering hope and support to other families. “We were so lost and didn’t know what to expect until we came to Shriners Children’s. We found treatment, resources and a team that sees Rylan for who he is – a happy, smiling kid who finds joy in everything,” she said.
Rylan runs on the sidewalk during Walk for Love 2025.
Rylan and his mother, Kylie, share a joyful moment during Walk for Love 2025.
