Maisie's Story
Maisie born 12 weeks early has diplegic cerebral palsy. Maisie was diagnosed just after her first birthday. Even though it hurt us deeply we never showed it and pushed with her physiotherapy. It was by chance that we heard about SDR. And I'll be honest we were not too sure at first. It took a lot of investigating asking questions to Maisie's physio and honest questions about ourselves whether we would be strong enough.
After going through the pros and cons we decided to go for it. For us the pros quite easily outweighed the cons and after speaking with Maisie's consultant began fundraising. We fundraised in any way we could, and after 6 months raised £60,000. We managed to get the money to take Maisie to St. Louis to see Dr Park.
Our intention was always the USA.
The uncertainty that the NHS holds around the operation concerned us, and having the oppurtunity to meet Dr Park and have him operate on Maisie was something we didn't want to miss out. We traveled to Heathrow the day before departure (on Maisie's birthday) and flew out at 12.05pm. St. Louis in January is cold. Very cold. However the thought of Maisie's life changing operation warned our hearts. It wasn't without fear and second guessing but the biggest priority for us was to be able to look Maisie in the eyes and tell her we did we could. The operation was a success and the trip a life cherishing memory. It isn't over, not by a long shot. However we've helped a surgeon and physio's create a fresh foundation for Maisie to build a new beginning.
After going through the pros and cons we decided to go for it. For us the pros quite easily outweighed the cons and after speaking with Maisie's consultant began fundraising. We fundraised in any way we could, and after 6 months raised £60,000. We managed to get the money to take Maisie to St. Louis to see Dr Park.
Our intention was always the USA.
The uncertainty that the NHS holds around the operation concerned us, and having the oppurtunity to meet Dr Park and have him operate on Maisie was something we didn't want to miss out. We traveled to Heathrow the day before departure (on Maisie's birthday) and flew out at 12.05pm. St. Louis in January is cold. Very cold. However the thought of Maisie's life changing operation warned our hearts. It wasn't without fear and second guessing but the biggest priority for us was to be able to look Maisie in the eyes and tell her we did we could. The operation was a success and the trip a life cherishing memory. It isn't over, not by a long shot. However we've helped a surgeon and physio's create a fresh foundation for Maisie to build a new beginning.
