One Year On!!!

It has been exactly one year since we landed in St. Louis, Missouri, USA for Emma’s SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy) surgery.  It was the hardest decision we’ve ever made, but the best decision we’ve ever made for Emma.  There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but SDR has provided Emma freedom we never dreamed she’d enjoy.  It has, quite literally, changed her life, and changed all of our lives, for the best.  Emma is independent in so many ways now:  She can get to the toilet independently, take care of her business independently, and get back to whatever room she wants to within the house, all on her sticks/crutches.  She can leave the house through the front door and walk to the car independently, and get in the car on her own (if the car door is open) and manoevre into her seat all by herself.  She can join her sisters in whatever activity they are doing in the house, no matter what room they are in.  She can walk up/down the stairs on her own holding onto both railings either side (although we still are with her for safety reasons).  She can sit in a chair and swing her legs.  Speaking of swinging, she taught herself how to swing on the outdoor swingset in April.  She can come to the dining table when called, and get into her chair all by herself.  She can sidestep from her bed to her desk in her own room, and when feeling really brave, sidestep over to the light switch, reach up and turn it on/off.  She can participate more fully in dance and performed in 3 shows since her surgery, and even though she still must use her walker for that, she can let go of it, balance, and do arm/hand movements that she couldn’t do before.  She can stand more easily at the sink basin and wash her hands and brush her own teeth.  She can kick a ball with her foot.  She can ride a bike more easily and without assistance, and likes to go fast, fulfilling her brave streak and need for speed.  I could go on and on and on……..she can do all these things and more — things that we ALL take for granted on a daily basis.  Emma was given a new lease on life, and even though things still might not be perfect, after all cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability, they are probably as good as they’re going to get.  And we are all thrilled for her!!!  And if she continues to improve, then all the better for her.  Her doctors think she will indeed improve, and only time will tell.  Emma walks on a treadmill almost daily, does exercises at home and at school, does ‘fun’ therapy like bike riding, swimming, and dance, and is looking forward to trying horse riding, sailing and anything else she can do.  She is practicing with single crutches now, and it is absolutely amazing to see her walk so fast and so well with those.  She is a determined little girl, with the most infectious big smile and positive attitude, and we think she is going to achieve great things in her life, no matter what she does.  THANK YOU all for your support, for following her story, for helping us with the fundraising and making this possible for her, and for helping to spread the word that children like Emma deserve a chance for a better future.

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