Mia Coco V's Perthes disease

Mia Coco is a talented, committed and driven 12 year old aspiring dancer. She has danced since the age of 4 and currently trains at Mclaren Dance Company pursuing her goal in life. She trains 5 days a week (plus), successfully competing against other dancers, gaining not only skills in dance but making everlasting friendships.

Dance is at the centre of Mias whole world!

 

On 12th October 2021, Mia received devastating news when she was diagnosed with the very rare Disease , Perthes . Whilst the disease is not life-limiting it does provide limitations on the quality of life experienced by those effected and as with Mia Coco as a dancer crucial and timely specialist surgery, recovery and rehabilitation is needed to fight these limitations.

 

Perthes Disease is a rare childhood condition affecting the hip joint in children typically aged between 4 and 8 years old. Around 1 in 10,000 children ( usually boys ) are affected by Perthes disease each year causing pain, limb shortening, stiffening and reduced range of movement and muscle wasting, leaving a devastating impact on those it effects. These children not only suffer on a daily basis but for many there is the long term implication of shattering dreams.

 

Through intense research and contacts made by Mia's dedicated Mum, Amanda, Mia has the opportunity to receive the specialist recommended surgery on 9th December 2021. Amanda was initially told to leave Mia untreated for 6 months and 'see how things go' by the first person to look at Mia. With a second opinion, Amanda was told the urgency of the situation and how immediate the surgery was needed. A huge credit to Amanda for her endless fighting to get Mia the treatment she needs.

 Throughout the past 100 years scientist have been researching the factors as to why this disease occurs , but there are still no answers , they don’t know why it happens and the research is still ongoing .

Perthes disease occurs due to the loss of the blood supply to part of the hip joint resulting in the fracture or distortion of the bone. The amount of bone damage dictates the prognosis so timing is crucial for this surgery to take place. Mia will have revascularization surgery which will involve 2 procedures aiming to get the blood flow back to the hip bone (femoral head) and an external fixator will be fitted to hold the hip in place. The fixator is a stabilising frame to hold the broken bones in position by using metal pins or screws that will be placed into the bones through incisions into the skin and muscle.

 

The recovery period and specialist treatment needed is going to be lengthy (expected to be around 16 months initially at this stage of the disease )and expensive which will involve a whole family commitment to this new adjustment. Ongoing treatment is  needed for Mia to manage her rehabilitation as she recovers.

 

We would like to help make this achievable for Mia and her family because we know how important dance is to Mia and her talent is evident for anyone to see.

The world of dance is filled with talent, passion and dedication from those within it and Mia is part of this world. PLEASE help us keep Mia in the place where she belongs and needs to be to feel complete.