Good health and a robust childhood are at the top of the wish list for every parent. Some youngsters, however, require a little help to develop the basic skills they need to grow into healthy and productive adults.

Just a few years ago, Ed and Stephanie Martin of Moorpark, Calif., would never have dreamed of needing the services of the Child Development Center at Simi Valley Hospital. But they became concerned when their otherwise healthy daughter, Brianna, wasn't even crawling at 12 months.

An MRI revealed their worst nightmare: Brianna had a massive brain tumor. Two brain surgeries and chemotherapy left Brianna weak on the right side of her body. Thankfully, Brianna had access to the CDC, where physical and occupational therapists got her walking unassisted and helped her gain skills in performing everyday activities.

"Brianna's story is one of true success," said Robin Millar, a physical therapist by training and administrative director of the CDC. "When she first came to us, she had so many obstacles to overcome. Together with Brianna and her parents, we have worked hard to conquer these challenges."

Since 1979, parents in Simi Valley, Moorpark and surrounding communities have turned to the CDC for that extra boost their kids need. The program serves nearly 500 children a week who show delays in speech/language and motor skill development.

According to Millar, many children at the center have reasons for their delays, such as premature birth, Down syndrome or autism. However, many of the CDC's patients also have developmental delays for unknown reasons. The center combines the skills of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech/language pathologists with early intervention specialists who are trained to recognize red flags in early childhood development.

"Our intervention teams come up with treatment plans on a per-child basis and decide what course of action will be most beneficial for each patient," said Millar. "We work creatively to enhance physical development, social skills and functional activities such as dressing, potty-training and the like."

Millar stresses that the CDC's mission is to serve the whole family unit by enhancing the skill level of a child in collaboration with the parents. "Parents have to be involved in order for the program to work," she said.

Today, 5-year-old Brianna has been tumor-free for two years and is attending a regular kindergarten program. In October 2006, she walked with her CDC physical therapist, Karen Newsome, in the survivor's lap at Simi Valley's annual Relay for Life.

"The staff at the CDC have been our rock in this whole journey," Stephanie says. "It's hard enough being a parent, let alone having to go to therapy two to three times a week. But the CDC staff have inspired and encouraged us. They are just awesome people."

For more information about the CDC, call 805-955-8120 or visit SVH's website at simivalleyhospital.com.