8-year-old girl learns to walk at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center

Eight-year-old Cayleigh Blount has spent half her life inside the pediatric rehabilitation gym at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, learning to move through the world with confidence, determination, and a spirit that fills the room the moment she arrives.

Born with congenital differences affecting all four limbs, Cayleigh uses prosthetic legs and adapts daily to the unique challenges of her body. 

For the past four years, she has worked closely with the pediatric therapy team, led by Pam Pureza, manager of Pediatric Rehabilitation, to build strength, balance, and independence one milestone at a time.

“It was really hard at first,” Pureza said. 

“She would kick and scream when she got here, but our therapists did an amazing job helping her feel safe. To see her walking now, after starting with just tolerating the legs, is incredible. She’s come such a long way.”

Cayleigh visits the clinic every week, practicing walking, climbing steps, bending, and sitting with her prosthetics. Her mother says the progress has been steady and hard‑earned.

“She has overcome so many obstacles,” her mom, Romisha Banks, shared. “When we first began, it was a challenge. But as she got to know her therapists, she opened up. She’s learned so much.”

Before finding Sentara Albemarle, the family traveled to Chesapeake, Virginia, twice a week for appointments, an exhausting three‑hour round trip for every session. 

“It was too much for us,” Banks said. “We were referred to Miss Pam, and we’ve been here ever since. And we love it.”

Pureza says Cayleigh’s story reflects exactly why the pediatric rehab program was created. 

For years, families in the region had limited access to pediatric therapy outside early intervention or school‑based services. 

Sentara Albemarle’s pediatric clinic now sees upwards of 80 patients a day, offering local, consistent care that keeps families close to home.

“Parents shouldn’t have to choose between hours at work and hours on the road just to get their child therapy,” Pureza said. 

“That’s why this program exists.”

Cayleigh’s growth has not been linear. As she gets taller, her prosthetics must be adjusted or replaced, requiring her to relearn movements and strengthen new muscle groups. 

“It’s not a fast process,” Pureza explained. “There are milestones, plateaus, and sometimes a little regression. But she always pushes forward.”

Her personality, Pureza added, is as remarkable as her progress. 

“She’s like talking to a mini adult. Everyone here is so supportive of her. We’ve always had high expectations because we know what she’s capable of.”

Cayleigh’s journey is far from over, but every Thursday, step by step, she shows what’s possible when a child’s determination meets a team who believes in her.

You can learn more about Sentara’s pediatric rehabilitation services here.