Legendary soap queen Susan Lucci is finally opening up about the heartbreak of her grandson’s cerebral palsy — and the little boy’s incredible courage!
Brendan, now 7, is the son of Susan’s daughter, Liza Huber, and her husband, Alex Hesterberg. He was first diagnosed with the crippling neurological disorder when he was nearly 2, and now wears leg braces.
Brendan was born to former “Passions” star Liza nine weeks premature and weighed just 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Long before the official diagnosis, he showed early signs of cerebral palsy. At 10 months, he couldn’t sit up on his own, and at 19 months he was unable to stand.
Exclusive Interview ‘Devious’ Diva Susan Lucci
Susan, famous for her long-running role as Erica Kane on “All My Children,” was devastated. “I wanted to be there in whatever way I could — if my presence, in any way, could comfort Liza,” the 69-year-old soap diva admitted.
During the first month that Brendan was in intensive care, Susan was appearing on both “All My Children” and “Dancing With the Stars.” She never spoke publicly about her tiny grandson’s health woes and how he was hooked up to a ventilator. But she did her best to be there for him.
She and her “DWTS” partner, Tony Dovolani, would take the late flight from Los Angeles on Tuesday nights after the show so she could spend time with Brendan.
Today he leads as normal a life as possible. He gets physical therapy and occasional Botox treatments, which release muscles in people with cerebral palsy, explained Liza.
Despite her fears for Brendan, Susan is hopeful. “These are modern times and they’re making strides all the time,” she said.
