Haven Raine, my gorgeous 1 year old niece brings more joy and happiness to our family than anyone could have ever anticipated. She is calm, happy and curious but unfortunately her little body hasn't kept up with her motivation to explore.

Haven has been diagnosed with hypotonia (low muscle tone) and an underdeveloped vestibular system.

Low muscle tone is used to describe muscles that are floppy. Babies and toddlers with low muscle tone need to put in more effort to get their muscles moving properly when they are doing an activity.

An underdeveloped vestibular system refers to a delay or deficit in the development of the inner ear structures and associated neural pathways that help control balance, spatial orientation, and coordination. The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals, otolith organs, and various neural connections within the brain. What was originally thought of as reflux, has now been established that Haven has been suffering vertigo and dizziness since she was born.

Haven has been having Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy since she was 8 months old. However being rural and located in a small town, 1.5 hours out of the nearest city, it is hard to give Haven the level of ongoing support and care that she needs.

Haven has the opportunity to attend a 2 week intensive therapy block on the Gold Coast next month but without an approved NDIS plan just yet, my sister and brother in law are struggling to pull the funds together. Her next chance to get into this program wouldn't be for at least another year. It is detrimental that she gets this early intervention, if we are to start seeing her be able to reach some little steps that hopefully turn into some bigger steps.

About the program - Centre of Movement

Haven will be enrolled in the Intensive Model of Therapy. Which involves engaging in frequent repetitions of novel exercises within a condensed timeframe, leveraging the principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning.

Intensive therapy typically consisting of 3 sessions a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks, totalling 45 sessions. Haven will be under the care of a multidisciplinary team of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Exercise Physiologists that will work closely to ensure that she gets the most out of her intensive sessions.

At present, Haven is only able to sit for short periods of time and roll. She is unable to crawl, stand or walk. The Centre of Movement is renowed throughout Australia with reviews highlighting that many babies and toddlers have come out of the program, reaching significant milestones including standing and walking.

Therefore, we are asking for any small donation to ensure our little girl is given the best opportunity to grow into the active little toddler that her, and all those who love her, hope for.

This gofundme will assist with the costs of the program which is $6000. It will also help with Flights and accommodation for my sister and Haven as well as time off work for Haven's dad to be able to stay home and care for their other young daughter Winslow.