Breaking Down Barriers - Millie's Mission

Hello, my name is Millie, and I’m 6 years old! I have Rett Syndrome and Epilepsy, but I never let that stop me from having fun. My Mummy and Daddy say I’m their brave little princess, and they are so proud of me. I love playing with my little brother and my friends, going on exciting days out, and always having a big smile on my face. Daddy says I have a cheeky grin and an infectious giggle that makes everyone happy. My absolute favorite place is Peppa Pig World—I love Peppa so much! I’m a little thrill-seeker and enjoy rides, swings, and slides.

Because of my Rett Syndrome, I can’t walk on my own just yet. I need help from Mummy, Daddy, my walker, or a hoist. But I have a big dream: I want to try ABR therapy to help my brain talk to my muscles better. This therapy will make me stronger, especially in my back and core, and help reduce the risk of scoliosis as I grow. One day, I hope I’ll be able to stand and maybe even take a few steps all by myself!

Rett Syndrome also means I’m non-verbal—my voice doesn’t work the same way as yours. But don’t be fooled! I have my own way of being noisy and cheeky, and I make sure my Mummy and Daddy know exactly what I want (usually to watch Peppa Pig!). I communicate a lot with my eyes, and I’m learning to use an eye-gaze system at school to find new ways to express myself. It would mean the world to me to have my very own eye-gaze system at home. With it, I could learn new words, talk to my family and friends, and even play fun games.

I also struggle to use my hands. When I was little, I loved grabbing toys and picking things up, but Rett Syndrome made that skill really hard for me. Now, I need Mummy, Daddy, Nannie, my teachers, and my friends to help me use my hands for fun things like painting and playing with playdough.

Sometimes, my epilepsy makes life a bit tricky too. I still have quite a few seizures, and they make me very tired and sad. My doctors are working really hard to find the right medication, and I’m hopeful that one day I’ll be seizure-free and spend less time in hospital.

As I grow up, I’ll need lots of therapy, equipment, and adaptations to help me live my best life. With your kindness and support, I might be able to reach some amazing goals—like learning to say a few words, taking steps on my own, or even walking to the park holding Mummy and Daddy’s hands. That’s my biggest dream, and I’d love to achieve it one day.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn about me and my journey. Your help means the world to me and my family. With your support, I know I can continue to be the best, bravest Millie I can be.

Lots of love,

Millie ❤

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.