Robert Fine Jr lays on a day bed in the living room of his family's mobile home. A pulse oximeter is attached to his finger to monitor his heart rate and oxygen saturation, and a feeding tube is connected to a port in the child's abdomen.

Robert Fine Jr., "little Robert" as his mother calls him, was born full term on June 14, 1996 weighing 6lbs., 3oz. He was born with cerebral palsy, a developmental disability with varying degrees of severity and several possible causes. In Robert's case doctors believe the root cause to be brain damage of an unspecified origin.

Robert's swallowing instinct was severely compromised by his brain injury. As an infant, his parents struggled to feed him. It would take hours to coax down a few ounces milk. In the summer of 1998, a feeding tube was surgically implanted in Robert's abdomen. The tube serves as a conduit for Robert's liquid diet as well as the medicine he takes for his seizures and uncontrollable shaking and muscle spasms. His parents feed him 120 ccs of PediaSure four times a day: at 6 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. The entire feeding process takes two hours each time.

Robert spends a major portion of his day bound in stiff plastic braces from his chest to his toes and strapped into a wheelchair. Unable to hold his head up straight, it flops backward; and his eyes tend to veer to the left.

Robert's doctors are fairly certain that the brain damage resulted in almost complete loss of motor function and severe delays in his cognitive abilities. Based on statistics gathered from children in similar situations, Robert may only have a 10 year life expectancy. His current social responses are consistent with those of a six month-old infant.

The Fines recently settled a $1.4 million malpractice lawsuit with the hospital in which Robert was born. They plan on starting a new life for themselves in Georgia.

Elizabeth Fine gives her son a kiss on cheek.

Prior to one of little Robert's many doctors appointments, Robert Fine Sr. carries his son from the family's mobile home with the help of an ambulance driver.

Robert rests in his wheelchair.

Elizabeth Fine snuggles with little Robert during a visit to Overlook Hospital.

Elizabeth and Robert Fine participate in a parent/teacher conference at Lakeview School, where little Robert is currently enrolled.