Greetings! We are a family of 6: Marcus (dad), Bonnie (mom), Leon(5), George(3), Otis(3), and Ben(2). I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our gofundme and reading our story. We are fundraising for an exciting surgery for George, our 3 year old son who has cerebral palsy!

George was diagnosed at just 6 months old with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (SDCP). Cerebral Palsy occurs due to an injury in the brain, which for him happened at his birth. The twins were born 7 weeks early, and George had difficulty breathing. So, it was likely a lack of oxygen to the brain that caused his CP. In short, he was born with it.

So what does it mean to have cerebral palsy? The main effect of CP is that it disrupts control of muscle movement. It can affect everyone very differently, and is an umbrella term to cover a wide range of issues. People living with cerebral palsy can have neurological and musculoskeletal problems that affect posture, sensory perceptions, communication, movement and other functions.

Cerebral palsy may have several associated issues, including epilepsy, musculoskeletal problems, intellectual disability, feeding difficulties, visual abnormalities, hearing abnormalities, and communication difficulties.

How does it affect George?

For George, there are certain muscles in his legs that are hypertonic (really tight) which cause other muscles in his body that should be working to be overly weak. Since his diagnosis, George has had physical therapy twice a week, and we have seen him make massive strides in his mobility! As of right now, he can roll, push up to all fours on his own, sit back into a w or side sit, and he does a sort of army crawl to move around on the floor. He can stand while holding on to something for a little while. With someone assisting him, he can stand and take steps! But not on his own yet. He uses a wheelchair in order to get around on his own, but he really, really wants to walk (he tells us all day!)

What is SPML surgery?

Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening is a non-traditional, orthopedic tendon/muscle lengthening/release that is minimally invasive, with minimal scarring, for children and adults primarily with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy (SDCP).

Okay, let’s break down the acronym of SPML:

1. Selective- refers to select areas of tightness caused by spasticity.

2. Percutaneous – an instrument developed for eye surgeries is used to make small (2-3 mm) incisions in the areas of tightness/spasticity aided by a nerve block using ethanol on the obturator nerve and to make small cuts to the fascia. Percutaneous refers to a procedure performed through skin using a needle etc.

3. Myofascial – myo means muscle and fascia is defined as connective tissue made of collagen that covers a muscle or a group of muscles.

4. Lengthening – surgically creating a relaxation or lengthening of a muscle.

So, in simple terms, what the surgery does is release the connective tissues surrounding the tight muscles so that they can relax and lengthen. It is a minimally invasive procedure that has had incredible results. It is revolutionary as there are only two surgeons in the US who are currently performing this surgery. Dr. David A. Yngve in Galveston, TX has been performing SPML for over six years, has performed over 500 cases. Dr. Yngve is going to be George’s doctor!

Another patient of George’s physical therapist has received this surgery and has been described as having “different legs”. I have read many testimonies online from other parents of children who went to Dr. Yngve who have said this same thing! They have seen incredible changes in their child’s mobility.

After his surgery he will come home and start two weeks of intensive therapy, four days a week for 2 hours each. He will be fitted for new orthotics as well.

This will be his 3rd time under anesthesia. He has had surgery on his eyes to correct his cross-eye, and he has had dental work, receiving 9 crowns.

How will we use the funds?

The money raised here will go directly toward the purchase of flights to Texas from Oregon and back, hotel stay, Uber rides, food during the trip, and any out of pocket expense needed to cover the surgery. We have been asking for an estimate from the hospital but have yet to receive one. So, we have guessed at the possible expense. If there is any money left over, that will go towards building a ramp for his wheelchair at our home. Right now we are lifting it up and down steps, so that will be a great help to us. Otherwise, all of the money goes directly toward getting this life changing surgery for George!

Thank you so much for reading our story and I pray that a donation blesses you! I will post updates on this page after his surgery to keep you up to date!

God bless you!

-Bonnie Baxter