Main fundraiser photo

Leila's VBT Spinal Surgery

Getting Leila straight back...into it.

Leila Bennadi 14 from West London is a successful elite gymnast with Heathrow Gymnastics Club who has competed at both the English and British Championships. https://www.heathrowgymnastics.org.uk/ 

Leila's Head Coach, Michèle Walduck, noted changes in Leila's spine, having being diagnosed with Scoliosis herself whilst studying at the Royal Ballet School, White Lodge. https://www.royalballetschool.org.uk/discover/about-us/ 

Sadly, Leila has recently been diagnosed with severe Scoliosis, which if not treated, will not only end her career as a gymnast , but would be life changing. Worryingly, given the rate of progression of the curve in her spine, if not treated immediately she will be outside the parameters for treatment. 

If she fuses, she loses.

Treatment in the UK for Leila is complicated by the fact that she also has a growth hormone deficiency and the only treatment option here is to fuse her spine, but if she does that she will never grow.

Our research has led us to a breakthrough treatment called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) which is available in continental Europe and the US. It was recently featured on the BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-43642062 

Back soon

Leila leaves on Tuesday April 16th to visit Prof. Dr. Ahmet Alanay, at the Comprehensive Spine Centre, Acibadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey to see if the treatment is viable. http://www.betterthanspinalfusion.com/turkey/ahmet-alanay.html 

One of Leila's former elite gymnastic colleague and long time friend also had VBT performed by Prof. Dr. Alanay which has changed her life, thank you to Alice for sharing her video and story.

https://www.facebook.com/ScoliosisVBT/videos/468340710264451/

http://www.theirishworld.com/alice-lands-ballet-role-after-spinal-surgery/?fbclid=IwAR15a0BgEIBT1cBbT1FzIsJ13k4Hbu07s2SHpq7quE_lx5B0-0FrVU05HpY

Video of Prof. Dr.Alanay explaining and performing VBT surgery.

https://www.facebook.com/ScoliosisVBT/videos/414929652400581/UzpfSTY3NjMyNjY4MDpWSzoyNTEzNzAxMzcxOTkxMzgw/?query=alanay&epa=SEARCH_BOX

Donate and circulate

Leila would be really encouraged to know that you have her back, and we as parents would be eternally grateful for any donation, but regardless she would love it if you would share her campaign with your social networks.

Follow our updates and get involved in helping to get Leila straight back...into it.

One more ask...would you mind sharing this Gofundme campaign on your social media feeds. Thank you.
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • £20 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Denise Bennadi
Organizer

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.