Help Isla Get There

My name is Isla and I am 3 years old. My Mum and Dad became concerned when I did not reach my gross motor skill milestones, and after many hospital visits and tests, I was diagnosed with spastic diplegia which means the muscles in both my legs are continuously contracted and makes me walk on my toes. Due to the spasticity (tightness) in my legs, my balance is not very good making me fall over, and daily tasks are very difficult such as walking up and down the stairs, getting myself dressed, and walking on uneven ground. It is very difficult for me to keep up with my friends at preschool.

I have daily physiotherapy and wear splints (ankle foot orthosis) to help me walk but I cannot walk for long and get tired quickly. The muscles in my legs will get tighter as I grow so my mobility can get worse and it can also damage the joints in my legs. Despite my challenges I am a very happy, bright and affectionate girl. I love to learn and play.

There is an operation called selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) which is the only procedure that can permanently remove the tightness in my leg. Two years of intensive physiotherapy after the operation is essential for the treatment to work. My Mum and Dad have recently discovered the NHS is no longer funding this treatment so please help us fundraise £60,000 for this life changing opportunity.

The funds will help me have SDR at St. Louis Hospital, Missouri, USA by Dr. TS Park. He pioneered and refined the procedure with over 20 years of experience. He is selective on who will benefit from the procedure. The funds will provide travel and accommodation and two years of intensive physiotherapy in the UK.

Thank you for taking the time to read my JustGiving page. I will be forever grateful for any help, no matter how big or small.

You can follow my journey at www.facebook.com/helpisla. If anyone would like to fundraise for us please contact me for details.

You can also donate by text. Just text ISMM99 £5 to 70070. And don’t forget to claim Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25%, at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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Tree of Hope reserves to use these funds for any purpose stated in the parents charter, including but not limited to, medical treatment, surgery and therapies and related travel expenses, medical and exercise equipment, childcare, home adaptations and the cost of vehicles designed for the disabled