Aria and Isabelle Fisher Mactier, Ontario

Aria and Isabelle:

The twins, Aria and Isabelle, age 5, have Cerebral Palsy. CP is a group of neurological disorders that affect balance, movement, muscle tone and posture. Imagine being in a state of constant cramping all over your body.

About the twins:

Aria and Isabelle have been afflicted by the part of the brain that controls motor function. It either did not develop properly or was damaged around the time of birth.

Isabelle is diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia GMFCS Level 2.

Aria is diagnosed with Spastic Quadriplegia GMFCS Level 4.

Background and History:

- the girls were born prematurely at 31 weeks

- they spent almost two months in the NICU

- 2 years of follow up with the Neonatal clinic in Orillia

- CP was suspected around six months and both girls were referred for physiotherapy at OKP

- CP was confirmed at 14 months through MRIs in Barrie

- the diagnosis was followed by regular physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a home program of stretches and exercises

- first walkers and AFO's in the winter of 2017/2018

- 9 doctors, two rounds of botox, three pairs of AFO's each and multiple wheelchairs, walkers, and canes...

After 2.5 years of working with surgeons and doctors from SickKids and Holland Bloorview, Isabelle just had the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy procedure (SDR), which is surgery on the spine.

- the goal is to minimize the tightness in her legs that is preventing her from walking independently.

- she is now completing 12 weeks of inpatient physio and occupational therapy at Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital for kids.

- this requires one parent to be in Toronto with her at all times. Justin makes trips to the city weekly.

- Aria is not a candidate for this surgery, so she will likely continue botox every six months to help with her spasticity

In the future:

- botox, physiotherapy and occupational therapy will likely be for life

- the family van will need to be modified. Van purchased but it needs a lift for the powerchair

- specialized bikes are needed for outdoors and indoor use at school

- home renovations will continue... next is the bathroom

- AFO's every 1 to 1.5 years

- Isabelle may need another surgery, called a Femoral Osteomy, in a few years..

The parents are hard-working community members, caring for 3 beautiful children. Dad works in construction with a very understanding employer that frequently accommodates Justin for necessary time off. However, he rarely works a full week due to accommodations and appointments for the twins. Mom is an ECE at the local school. Financial commitments and time off are hard to negotiate. We wish to help with the financial struggle of providing the lift for the van, as well as, living and travel expenses during the 3 month stay at Holland Bloorview Hospital.

Grandma and Grandpa have been an immense help, as always. The family has received more help from them, and the community than one could/should expect.

We will continue to apply for and pursue any government and nonprofit support where we may qualify.

We thank you and appreciate any of this much needed support.

On behalf of the Fisher Family

Fundraiser committee (Steve Schell, Ryan Morgan, Dave Watters, Anthony Riva and myself) to help a family that could use some additional support.