Our daughter Danielle was diagnosed with Diaplegic Spastic Cerebral Palsy at 18 months old. Throughout her 9 short years she has worked so hard to be where she is today. Walking and talking were some of the things doctors did not expect her to accomplish. She has overcome every obstacle we were told she may never come close to. 

Danielle is the happiest girl we know! She has never let any of her hardship slow her down. She loves to dance, make crafts and play on her Walker Soccer Team! 

Danielle has become a perfect candidate for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery this fall. The surgery will happen at Sick Kids in Toronto. The Neurosurgical team will access her nerves in her lower spine and clip those that send a spastic signal to her brain. The outcome of the surgery will give Danielle better balance and more independence. A few days following surgery she will be transferred to Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Center for 12 weeks where she will relearn how to walk. We are not eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald house as they have a 10 day minimum and are not affiliated with Holland Bloorview. 

In preparation for Danielle’s surgery we are fully booked with 16 appointments and counting in the next four weeks. She will undergo BotoxInjections in her legs to simulate the surgery taking away her high tone. Danielle will be in legs casts for three weeks after her Botox allowing her to stretch those tight muscles. The medication for Botox and the Physiotherapy after is not covered by OHIP. 

Danielle requires Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFOs)to support her and guide her muscles to work properly. She also requires a Walker for longerwalks and at school. We just got her a new set which cost $3000-$4000. 75% is covered leaving us about $700 each year. She will need a new set after surgery as her range and gate will drastically change. 

Our family is looking for some help financially to be able to live in Toronto for the 12 weeks as well as our return home of travelling to Ottawa three times a week for an undetermined amount of time for continued Physiotherapy. 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We appreciate any and all support from our family, friends and community.