Bella’s SDR Journey - Just4Children

Bella is 7 years old and lives with her mum, dad and little sister Thea in South Wales. She was born at 33 weeks and spent 19 days in nicu. At 1 year old we noticed Bella wasn’t hitting her milestones and was unable to sit or roll, When Bella started walking just after the age of 2 it become apparent that she may have cerebral palsy. After a long road of consultations, AFOs and physiotherapy Bella was diagnosed with diplegia cerebral palsy gmfcs level 2 which causes her loss of balance, tiptoe walking, scissoring, many falls, pain in her legs, being unable to walk on uneven surfaces, poor posture and being unable to walk for long distances. Unfortunately, NHS Wales do not have the funding for SDR and are unable to help us, The Portland hospital in London have accepted Bella and have said that she will be the perfect candidate for SDR surgery. Bella is a very strong determined little girl who doesnt let anything stop her. As she is getting older her symptoms are becoming more problematic and her spasticity in her legs are causing her muscles to become tighter and tighter which even with daily stretches and splints. This is a huge concern as she will need tendon lengthening as well if SDR surgery isnt carried out. SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) is a surgical procedure that reduces and removes spasticity in the lower limbs by cutting nerve fibres in the lower spine. This will have life changing benefits for Bella, and she deserves the best opportunities in life.