This story was originally published in the Miami Herald in partnership with the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.
Christian Cerrato woke up in his blue bed sheets gasping for air recently as he began to choke on his own tongue.
At 24, Christian doesn’t dwell on the many medical challenges he faces. They result from a traumatic brain injury he suffered as an infant when he was dropped on his head by a family member, according to his older brother Steven.
For Christian, the lasting effects include sleep apnea, seizures, and a learning disability that prevents him from reading or writing. He also has an enlarged lung, a swollen liver, and pancreatitis.
His speech is limited due to a machine called a vagus nerve stimulator that uses electrical impulses to manage his seizures but also causes muscle twitching when he talks.
Christian moves through his everyday life with an easygoing spirit and a soft-spoken kindness that stems from the togetherness of his family.
“I usually don’t feel down,” he says, “because I don’t feel like I’m going through stuff.”
Adds Steven: “Honestly, he’s a great person. He’s always been there for me. He’s really emotionally aware, very empathetic. If you’re feeling down, it affects him.”
The Cerratos live in the Brownsville/Allapattah area, where their home is something of a noisy menagerie. There are five pets: two rescued American Bullys; a fluffy Shih Tzu; a “fat cat;” and a recently rescued Belgian Malinois named Luna.
“He doesn’t like to show it, but he is very affectionate and loves animals unconditionally,” says his father. “Anyone who interacts with Christian knows that he is shy, but he is very kind and respectful. ”
Christian spends most days at home with his dad, Franklin, a roofer who suffered a major fall that left him unable to work. Father and son prepare the fruits and fresh juices that Christian’s mom, Aida, sells as a street vendor. Steven, who works at IKEA, also helps out with family finances while the youngest, 15-year-old Brandon, attends high school.
Christian is happiest when he’s watching anime, including “One Piece,” “Naruto” and “My Hero Academia,” and playing his favorite video games, such as “Uncharted” and “Skate.” He also enjoys serving as a goalie when he and his brothers kick a soccer ball around in the park.
It was Steven who came up with the idea of hosting regular family movie nights. “We’ll start a new show or start a new movie just to keep him hopeful,” Steven says.
But after the gatherings wind down, Christian prepares himself for one of the uncomfortable, sleepless nights that jeopardize his health.
Christian’s sleep apnea creates potentially dangerous risks. He often wakes up coughing, choking and gasping for air.
The family says he needs a CPAP machine, a medical device that uses steady air pressure to keep a person’s airways open during sleep. He has a temporary one, but the family’s insurance won’t cover a permanent replacement.
The Cerrato family is asking the Miami Herald’s Wish Book for financial assistance to obtain a CPAP machine.
Christian’s case worker, Stefano Cornejo from Epilepsy Alliance Florida, which nominated him for Wish Book, understands the need. “He’s someone who requires continuation of care,” Cornejo explains. “The CPAP would make a major difference in his quality of life.”
Despite some medical professionals’ belief that Christian likely would not make it into his early 20s, he remains the bright center of his family.
“He has beat the odds before,” Steven says. “He’s turning 25 next year and we are honestly grateful. … We know Christian’s willpower and belief.”
His mother adds, “He is a kindred spirit who honestly has no ill will towards anyone or anything. He’s a very optimistic and positive light in our lives.”
Christian focuses on what he can do rather than what he can’t. He greets friends shyly but warmly. He never forgets to ask about others’ pain, and keeps a positive spirit.
“Some people might see Christian as a burden,” Steven says. “But he’s been my best friend since I was a kid. He’s always going to have a space with me. We’re just a normal, positive family trying our best. And he’s the heart of it.”
