Hello there. My name is Lydia, and I’m in need of help for my youngest granddaughter, Lily. Her story:

Lily was born 9 years ago in California. All looked well back then. As she grew older, her gait seemed a bit off. Three pediatricians were asked to look into this, and all three said, “Everything looks fine.” Yet she developed quite a pronounced limp, with her right leg noticeably “shorter.” In January it was mentioned again to her new pediatrician. This one took a look and immediately referred her to an orthopedic pediatric specialist. After several X-rays and an MRI, they found that her hip and socket were NEVER in place since birth. Her condition has now become one requiring a highly specialized surgery. It will involve 2 orthopedics simultaneously operating, 7 weeks in a full body cast, and a year of occupational therapy. She will require a wheelchair, walker, commode, and much more. Without the surgery, she would have developed severe and painful arthritis in the hip, as well as requiring a full hip replacement by the age of 14.

The financial stresses will be heavy. She will be in a hospital an hour's drive from home. Will you help? I have never asked for help from any community, but I’m asking now. Every little bit will add up. Thank you.