Steps For Liam
Liam's Story:
Liam Oliver Ryder Wilkins was born on December 16th, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. Around 29 weeks in utero we were told "something was wrong" and were referred to a Maternal-Fetal Specialist where we were basically told they didn't know what was wrong but it was something serious. Upon Liam's birth he met with a Geneticist, Neonatal Specialist, and a Pediatric Orthopedic doctor. This is where we found out Liam had fibular hemimelia.
What is fibular hemimelia, you ask? It is the congenital absence of the fibula and it is the most common congenital absence of long bone of the extremities. Though it is the most common condition of its kind, it still only affects about 1 in 100,000 people.
So, your next question is, how is this condition managed or fixed? Well, to answer your question I will tell you the traditional route is amputation. However, through amazing technology and dedicated doctors, it is now possible to have corrective osteotomies and leg-lengthening surgeries.
How is Liam affected? Well, Liam's left leg is the affected leg. He was born with just 3 cute little toes, a shortened femur, a bowed tibia, and complete absence of his fibula.
As of now, Liam's route will be the corrective osteotomies and leg-lengthening surgical route. Thus far Liam has seen Dr. Woo in Orlando, Florida (The pediatric orthopedic doctor that diagnosed Liam), Dr. Maureen Macie at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, Florida. Though both of these doctors are incredible, they both agree Liam's answer lie in Baltimore, Maryland at The International Center For Limb Lengthening (ICLL.)
The goal right now is to raise money for our upcoming, initial trip to Baltimore for Liam's assessment and from there raise enough for his first surgery that he could have between 9 and 18 months of age.
The dream for Liam is for him to be able to live a life of running, jumping, skipping, playing, and whatever else his heart desires without limitations. If you feel compelled to donate then we ask that you do. Every dollar helps and every dollar gets Liam one "step" closer to the goal
Liam's mom Kristina is managing this campain.
