When our daughter Lila was 8 months old, she was diagnosed with right-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy following a perinatal stroke. Up to now, we’ve kept this private to protect Lila and process it as a family. But to give her the best future, we know it’s time to open up and ask for help.

Lila has spasticity across her whole right side, but her right hand is most affected. Simple everyday tasks—getting dressed, eating, playing—are a daily struggle. With starting school approaching at age 4, we worry deeply about her being able to open her lunchbox, hold a pen, or get changed for PE like other children.

This diagnosis was devastating and changed everything for us. Our lives are filled with hospital visits and worries about her future independence. Yet Lila is an absolute force to be reckoned with—a picture of pure determination who smashes every goal put in front of her!

Early intervention is critical for hemiplegia. We’ve stretched ourselves as far as our paramedic salaries will go—funding private physio and an American trial alongside NHS care—but we simply can’t stretch any further on our own. Asking for help is completely out of our comfort zone, but we would do anything for Lila’s future.

We’ve found an incredible intensive 3-week program in Manchester with Helping Hemi Hands. It involves 2 weeks of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (casting her stronger arm so her right hand learns to work), 1 week of bimanual therapy, and a full year of ongoing support. It is the key to her independence.

The therapy alone costs £6,545 (plus accommodation and travel costs). The difference this could make to Lila’s future is immeasurable. Any support—no matter how small—means the absolute world to us. Every penny goes directly to her therapy, and we’ll share updates (and plenty of photos!) as she progresses.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting our girl. ❤️