Feet For Annika #ExoSyms

Hello Everyone, my name is Amanda. I would like to tell you a story about an overwhelmingly courageous woman. This woman has faced every obstacle you could imagine and triumphed them all. Annika, my daughter, was born in 2001 with Bilateral Clubfoot. Bilateral Clubfoot is diagnosed by a doctor and is defined as a congenital foot deformity. This causes the Achilles Tendon to be short and the feet to turn downward and inward,sometimes individuals may not be able to walk at all.

At just 8 days old Annika was put into plaster casts that was changed out every two weeks. She also had a bar between the feet to help grow her bones in the right direction, Mimicking Ponseti method.

Annika has been in care by an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Gray, at Cook's Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Once Annika was 7 months old she started walking on her tip toes. When Annika was 8 months old Dr. Gray performed Achilles surgery to help lengthen Annika's feet, and straighten them out so they would no longer be in a downward and inward postion (so she could walk flat on her feet). After the Achilles surgery baby Annika had to learn to walk again.

This surgery was successful and helped Annika for many years, although, she has always been in pain.

Being an athlete has always been a part of who Annika is and it has helped her gain mobility in her feet. Annika ran cross country and track in her high-school years and was in the Midland High schools marching Band.

Annika is now 21 years old and has always been adventurous but for the past 7 years she has found no relief from the chronic pain of clubfoot. Every doctor she has spoke with has suggested amputation because her feet are RELAPSING. If Annika goes through with amputation she would not be able to achieve her goal in becoming part of an EMT/Firefighter team or ever go hiking again, like she dreams of.

I, Amanda, as her mother did not believe that amputation was the answer. We searched far and low when we came across Exosyms. The Hanger Clinic in Gig Harbor, WA specializes in unique braces to help take the pressure off of walking.

After getting into contact the doctor from Hanger Clinic, Annika has been accepted as a candidate for ExoSyms! We couldn't be happier!!

This is the very reason why I have set up a GoFund me account. The cost of each ExoSym is $9,000 per leg, plus the expenses to Washington from Texas! Totaling over $20,000!

The initial visit is up to two business days with the next visit up to 7+ business days.

We would be forever grateful if you could donate any amount, to help Annika gain her feet back! Not only will the ExoSyms help her reach her goal of becoming an EMS, she could get back to hiking and being an athlete. Most importantly Annika would have no pain!

Please consider donating to help Annika gain one foot at a time! #ExoSym

Feel free to watch the video below and watch how amazing the ExoSyms work! Blessings to all!