Caring for Carson
Donation protected
The Deckerts are a wonderful, kind, and caring family. They're involved in their community, and are always willing to lend a hand and help out when needed. However, the tables have turned, and they now need your help and support. Please continue to read below for their story, and help out in any way you can. Thank you.
Carrie and Eric welcomed their first child, Carson, into the world, on October 4, 2012. Carson was born approximately 7 weeks early, and ended up spending about 3 weeks in the NICU. All things considered, he was doing really well, and was hitting the developmental milestones; except for one, walking. Carson wasn't yet walking when other kids his age were. He was, and still is, a happy and energetic boy.
At about 2 years old, Carson’s doctor diagnosed him with Spastic Diplegia in both of his legs. He had normal use of the rest of his body, but struggled to walk on his own. Carson has been in physical therapy regularly for the last 4 years, wears leg braces called Ankle and Foot Orthoses (AFOs), and uses a walker continuously to help him walk. Despite all of this, Carson is just like every other kid. He enjoys playing outside, loves going camping with his family and friends, likes to bug his younger sister, played soccer a couple of summers, and has one of the best belly laughs of anyone I know.
Carrie and Eric have always held onto the hope that Carson would be able to walk on his own one day. Thinking how his future could be improved and of the benefits that could come from walking independently, they began to look into possible options for Carson.
On October 4th, 2018, Carson and his parents went to Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, in Toronto. Carson had an assessment appointment to see if he would be an ideal candidate for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. The procedure involves probing and cutting some of the misfiring nerves in the spinal cord that contribute to the spasticity in Carson’s legs. Enough healthy nerves would be left intact so that he would then be able to walk more easily. It was confirmed that day, that yes, Carson was an ideal candidate for the SDR procedure, and that he may benefit greatly from it.
On February 15th, 2019 Carson underwent the SDR surgery. The surgery itself took 8.5 hours and went great! Carson and his mom spent 6 days at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, and have since been transferred to Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital. They will stay there for awhile as Carson completes the 3 month intensive physical therapy program.
Once Carson returns home from the rehabilitation hospital, he will require therapy a minimum of 3 times a week for 6-12 months, and then 1-2 times a week after that, as full recovery can take years.
Since the SDR surgery was permanent and will have removed most of the excess spasticity, Carson will no longer need Botox injections. He will be saved from a lifetime of pain and potentially reduced mobility over time due to the debilitating effects on joints and bones that the excess spasticity could cause as Carson grows. He will have improved gait function, balance and endurance.
Carrie has taken time off work to be able to stay at the hospital with Carson throughout this journey. Eric, and their daughter Hadley, are maintaining things at home, and making trips to Toronto on the weekends to be together. Without Carrie's income, combined with the added expenses of therapy, different braces, gas and food, along with regular everyday bills, the financial hardships of making this all possible are being felt. It is at this time, that Carrie and Eric would greatly appreciate any form of support you're able to give.
Choosing elective spine surgery for Carson has felt at times, like an impossible decision for Carrie and Eric to make. However, they are confident that it will dramatically improve Carson’s life for decades to come. On behalf of Carrie and Eric, thank you for helping to make this all a little easier.
Carrie and Eric welcomed their first child, Carson, into the world, on October 4, 2012. Carson was born approximately 7 weeks early, and ended up spending about 3 weeks in the NICU. All things considered, he was doing really well, and was hitting the developmental milestones; except for one, walking. Carson wasn't yet walking when other kids his age were. He was, and still is, a happy and energetic boy.
At about 2 years old, Carson’s doctor diagnosed him with Spastic Diplegia in both of his legs. He had normal use of the rest of his body, but struggled to walk on his own. Carson has been in physical therapy regularly for the last 4 years, wears leg braces called Ankle and Foot Orthoses (AFOs), and uses a walker continuously to help him walk. Despite all of this, Carson is just like every other kid. He enjoys playing outside, loves going camping with his family and friends, likes to bug his younger sister, played soccer a couple of summers, and has one of the best belly laughs of anyone I know.
Carrie and Eric have always held onto the hope that Carson would be able to walk on his own one day. Thinking how his future could be improved and of the benefits that could come from walking independently, they began to look into possible options for Carson.
On October 4th, 2018, Carson and his parents went to Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital, in Toronto. Carson had an assessment appointment to see if he would be an ideal candidate for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. The procedure involves probing and cutting some of the misfiring nerves in the spinal cord that contribute to the spasticity in Carson’s legs. Enough healthy nerves would be left intact so that he would then be able to walk more easily. It was confirmed that day, that yes, Carson was an ideal candidate for the SDR procedure, and that he may benefit greatly from it.
On February 15th, 2019 Carson underwent the SDR surgery. The surgery itself took 8.5 hours and went great! Carson and his mom spent 6 days at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, and have since been transferred to Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital. They will stay there for awhile as Carson completes the 3 month intensive physical therapy program.
Once Carson returns home from the rehabilitation hospital, he will require therapy a minimum of 3 times a week for 6-12 months, and then 1-2 times a week after that, as full recovery can take years.
Since the SDR surgery was permanent and will have removed most of the excess spasticity, Carson will no longer need Botox injections. He will be saved from a lifetime of pain and potentially reduced mobility over time due to the debilitating effects on joints and bones that the excess spasticity could cause as Carson grows. He will have improved gait function, balance and endurance.
Carrie has taken time off work to be able to stay at the hospital with Carson throughout this journey. Eric, and their daughter Hadley, are maintaining things at home, and making trips to Toronto on the weekends to be together. Without Carrie's income, combined with the added expenses of therapy, different braces, gas and food, along with regular everyday bills, the financial hardships of making this all possible are being felt. It is at this time, that Carrie and Eric would greatly appreciate any form of support you're able to give.
Choosing elective spine surgery for Carson has felt at times, like an impossible decision for Carrie and Eric to make. However, they are confident that it will dramatically improve Carson’s life for decades to come. On behalf of Carrie and Eric, thank you for helping to make this all a little easier.
Organizer and beneficiary
Colleen Mullin
Organizer
Moorefield, ON
Carrie Deckert
Beneficiary