Laurels SDR Journey

Laurel is a 4 year old sweet girl that has been diagnosed with Spastic diplegia cerebral Palsey at the age of 8 months.  She was born at 30 weeks and spent 2 long and scary months in the Nicu.  She is also diagnosed with hydrocephalus (had brain surgery to place a shunt at 4 weeks old), strabismus (3 surgeries to help correct), central vision impairment, and optic nerve atrophy.  We were told that she would not walk or talk but because of her determination, she has mastered walking with her walker and is a chatterbox that loves to ask questions. She is amazing and we could not be more proud of her!




Even though she is walking with an assistive devise- we are working on her balance and being able to stand without any help.  She is super tight and has difficulty in this along with her steps and transitioning to different positions because of her spastic muscles.  We have been doing Botox injections in her legs that have lost there ability to help loosen her up.  We have decided to pursue a spinal surgery called SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy). It is a year long intensive recovery with the first 2 months in the hospital.  There are many aspects of this surgery that we feel will help Laurel live a pain free life with less Botox and orthopedic surgeries.  

Insurance does not not pay for everything and the cost will be adding up...we have to go out to Minnesota to talk with another team of doctors where we have to fly and stay for 4 days for all the appt nets, she will need a wheelchair to gain some independence while she is learning to walk again (insurance has denied), she will need a dynamic stander that will help build her strength after surgery (insurance denied as well), and the cost of the operation that insurance will not cover.  We are struggling with the thought of this accumulating amount but this surgery is the next step in Laurels ability to continue to make progress.  She is an inspiration to so many and we are so proud of everything she accomplishes- we have to find a way to get this surgery and rehab for her... If you can help we appreciate it tremendously!