Pappas graduate rejoins world of video gaming

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Thanks to a pandemic-generated need for at-home entertainment and the creation of game designs that allow more interaction, video games have exploded in popularity over the past year. People who formerly never even considered playing have discovered a challenging new kind of entertainment.

Nicholas and Stephen Grigoriou in an earlier family photo

Nicholas Grigoriou was a video game enthusiast as an early adolescent and recently started playing again after a hiatus of 10 years. That break wasn’t caused, however, by a loss of interest but was forced on him: Grigoriou was unable to play because of the progression of his muscular dystrophy (MD).

But about a month ago, the 26-year-old graduate of Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children (formerly Mass. Hospital School) was able to start playing Xbox video games again, thanks to the efforts of the Pappas Engineering department. That has made a big difference in his life. In a joint interview, Grigoriou’s older brother Stephen noted, “It’s really amazing to see— his ability to play was taken away but now it’s back and he’s able to do something he loves.”

Located on Randolph Street in Canton, Pappas is a state-operated rehab hospital and school for children with physical disabilities requiring medical management. Its Rehab Engineering staff members work with medical and therapeutic specialists to make sure students have the individualized, adaptive, durable equipment they need. Wheelchairs and braces are examples of durable equipment used by many students.

For Nicholas, the staff adapted an existing Microsoft console. The system had originally been developed by Microsoft for video gamers with MD, but as Stephen explained, “The work done at Pappas took the system to the next level by integrating it with Nick’s power wheelchair.” All Nick needs to do is use slight finger pressure to tap the joystick. The system includes a switch that he will be able to operate by raising his eyebrows should the need arise.

A serious disease, muscular dystrophy causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Caused by a genetic mutation, it takes different forms but most often affects boys, who first show symptoms around the time they learn to walk. Nicholas was diagnosed at 3 years old, but he stayed at home in Lowell until he was about 14, when he became a resident at Pappas to better access the services available there.

He moved back home to live with his mother on June 29, the day before his birthday. While he misses fellow students and other people there, he finds that home life is more relaxing and allows freedom from the structure and rules of group living.

Nicholas’ adapted X-Box controller

He and his family also found that life at Pappas during the pandemic had “lots of limitations,” including no visits. Twice Nicholas had to quarantine in his room. The effects of MD mean that he can’t wear a mask and uses a face shield instead.

Pappas residents also couldn’t take advantage of Canton community activities during the pandemic. No longer was Nicholas able to go to the library or hang out with visiting CHS volunteers. Previously, he had particularly enjoyed attending basketball games.

Living at home now, he plays Xbox with Stephen, who visits regularly from his home in Westford. Nicholas likes many different games, but his favorites are Call of Duty, Forza Horizon, and FIFA. He hasn’t yet started playing online with Pappas friends, which will require additional preparation. (Some gamers play with acquaintances they know only online, but Nicholas said he hasn’t yet gotten involved with that option as people online are typically more experienced.)

Summer plans call for looking into transportation options so Nicholas can visit family members, including his sister, who also lives in Lowell. Stephen noted that the family is nervous about the Delta variant of the coronavirus, which makes it “scary to plan anything.”

Reflecting on his brother’s journey, he said, “No matter what challenges, there are always ways to overcome them with the right attitude and by surrounding yourself with the right people.”

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Posted by Candace Paris on Jul 30 2021. Filed under Features. Both comments and pings are currently closed.