My name is Robyn Dent. I was born a happy, healthy baby on 24 January 1993 in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Shortly thereafter I was diagnosed with myelomeningocele, the most rare and severe form of spina bifida.

Just before my third birthday, I underwent my first of numerous surgeries.  Although it was supposed to be fairly routine, I ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks and was discharged not being able to walk or use my bladder and bowels and my parents were told it may be permanent. Two weeks later I started walking again, and I was eventually able to use my bladder and bowels.
 
My problems started soon after the surgery. When I repeatedly injured my feet without complaining, even though there was extensive bleeding. my parents realised that I had no sensation in both my feet. The wounds would take a long time to heal, and would often become infected. Because of one serious infection, my big toe on my right foot was amputated, as well as the end of my second toe.

From the age of three, I have had countless surgeries for the following:  Debridement of septic wounds; transferring tendons to improve the function of my feet and stretching of achilles tendons; repairing a broken ankle on two separate occasions when we did not even know that I had broken the ankle; shortening of the metatarsals to prevent pressure sores; fusion of my ankle and foot bones; skin grafts and plastic surgery to close wounds that don’t heal; salvage of joint bones due to septic arthritis; straightening of the metatarsals.

Many of these surgeries failed to achieve any long-term results and I now experience the following ongoing physical complications/impairments:  mobility problems and an inability to walk long distances; deformities of the feet; loss of muscle tone; Leg weakness & paralysis; pressure sores; scoliosis; knee and hip pain.

After each surgery, I have been in plaster casts for weeks to months at a time, where I have had to use crutches to get around. This resulted in me missing many weeks of school and University. Despite these setbacks, I have always excelled at school and have received many academic and character awards. 

I have recently completed my Bachelor of Science degree and in 2016 completed my Honors degree program, and am determined to walk in March of 2017. I am registered to begin my Masters in May of 2017 following this scheduled life changing surgery. 

I try not to let my disability hold me back, and in 2016 I became a therapy dog handler with my Labrador, Cooper. We visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and homes for mentally and physically disabled people to bring joy into their lives.

I have had a wound on my left foot for three years now, and despite three surgeries in the last two years, the wound will not heal.  Because of this, I have finally taken the decision to have my left leg amputated below the knee. The surgery is scheduled for 23 February 2017.  
 
For me to lead a productive lifestyle after the surgery, I will need a prosthetic leg. The cost of the surgery and the leg is only minimally covered by my medical plan.  I am convinced that amputation is the right decision and that the quality of my life is going to improve. I am therefore asking for your help to raise funds so that I can realize my dream to continue with my life, in as normal a way as possible.

It is my greatest wish to walk across the stage in March to receive my Honors degree, even if I must do so with a crutch.