Amelia is 5 years old and was born 9 weeks early. She had a rough start to life and spent most of the 9 weeks in hospital before we could bring her home. She suffered a brain injury that affects the mobility in the lower limbs. She is a bright little girl who is full of life, most affectionate and always happy girl even though she has challenges in life.
At 6 months old she was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy. She has difficulty walking and standing unaided. This disability affects her lower limbs and gives her tight muscles which makes movement restricted. Pain and cramping affects her tremendously. She would love to run and keep up with her friends and her little brother.
At 3 years of age Amelia had open heart surgery to repair an Atrial Septal defect (ASD) – a birth defect that causes a hole in the wall between the heart’s upper chamber. Amelia has Botox treatment injections in her legs every 4-5 months. This is not always affective.
We are hoping to raise funds for a life changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery in St Louis, USA so she can walk, dance, stand and run independently.
The surgery will encourage her to live life to the fullest.
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery is a procedure that treats muscle spasticity caused by abnormal communication among the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. It also improves muscle stiffness. This surgical procedure, is the only procedure that provide reduction of spasticity in cerebral palsy.
In the last few years Amelia has had constant therapy of conductive education, physiotherapy, speech, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy. We have seen improvements but having surgery will make her independence easier.
We hope to raise $100,000 for Amelia’s SDR journey which will cover surgery, therapy, flights and accommodation to the United States for 6 weeks.
We know your journey will be a great success Amelia! You won’t believe how good your legs and feet will feel when you wake up!