My Name is Lexie Fordyce, I am 4 years old. I live with my mummy and big sister Kelsey in Corby. I was born in Kettering general hospital, after a stressful pregnancy my mummy went into labour and i was born by emergency C-section a few hours later. I was born only 3lbs 8 and had to stay in the special care baby unit for five weeks. I was still very small only 4lbs when mummy brought me home.
When i got to a year old, and i wasn't doing normal things that a baby my age should be doing my mummy was concerned so she spoke to my health visitor. She then referred for paediatricians; i had lots of appointments, tests, and a MRI scan when i was 18 months old.
When i was 20 months old i was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. This means that the part of my brain that sends signals to the rest of my body is damaged. Since then i have dad to see lots of specialists and have daily physiotherapy from mummy, and my physiotherapist to my home, where i have lots of equipment to help me every day. I also attend Brainwave In Somerset which specialises in programes for families with children with brain injuries.
In March 2011 i had Botox injections in my legs for the first time to help my muscles from being so tight and to make it a little less painful when I'm doing my daily stretches and exercises. Also in 2011 i have enrolled in the Hannah Payne riding for the disabled association, where other children like me attend and have improved in their own special ways. I enjoy horse riding and it helps my core muscle development. I have progressed in my speech and am now able to crawl but cannot stand or walk unaided. I spend time in my standing frame daily to stretch and build up my muscles i don't like it much but i know i have to do it.
My mummy has found out about revolutionary surgery at St. Louis Children's Hospital In Missouri. Dr Park performs the life changing surgery it's called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) this invasive surgery involves severing some nerves in the spinal canal, releasing the spasticity of tight muscles but the operation costs £40.000. The benefits of SDR are improved balance and speech, toilet training and emotional well-being while reducing the pain also the constand need for medication and Botox. The surgery decreases the tone, making it easier to move normally as my legs are constandtly stiff which makes it harder to achieve normal movement.
So my mummy has her sights set high on this therapy that will help me be more independent. My mummy, Family And friends are trying to raise enough money for this life changing experience and give me the chance to take my first ever steps Thank You to everyone who has helped us already on our journey!
LOVE AND HUGS
LEXIE XX
Press extracts ...
Lexie was born eight weeks premature and later, following an MRI scan, was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy. She has botox injections to ease the pain, as well as regular physiotherapy sessions.
If enough money is raised, Lexie will be able to have an operation in St Louis, Missouri, to release tight muscles in her legs.
Donations can also be sent to the appeal c/o 11 Drake Close, Corby.
This is Lexie, She is nearly 4 yrs old and has spastic Quadriplegic Cerbral Palsy. this means her muscles are tight ans she canno stand up, or walk.
We are trying to send her to St Louis Children's hospital in Missouri, USA for her operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery wich will help lexie to take her first ever steps. the surgery costs £40,000.
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