Leon needs a life changing operation to help him to walk. He has spastic diaplegia cerebral palsy and is unable to move around unassisted. We are trying to raise £45,000 to get Leon to America where the operation will take place.
Leon is 18 months old. He was born at 29 weeks and 5 days and weighed 2lb 14oz. He was placed on life support for 21 days, but was allowed to leave NICU within 5 weeks of being born and start life at home.
Everything was great, Leon was gaining weight and coming along nicely, but his family noticed that his right foot angled out. When they went back to hospital, the doctors said that this was a result of Leon being born early and it would correct itself when he starts walking.
Since April 2010 Leon has been in and out of hospital due to upper respiratory tract symptoms but is still smiling, Basildon Hospital Staff have nicked named him Happy Baby as no matter how ill Leon is, he still manages to smile and laugh.
On November 22, 2010, Leon was diagnosed with spastic diaplegia cerebral palsy. Both his legs and his right arm are affected. Leon cannot sit up on his own and cannot walk, but is able to pull himself up and tries to pull himself around the furniture. Leon needs constant support throughout the day.
Since Leon was diagnosed, his family heard about a life changing operation called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) which they carry out in the St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, Missouri. The results have been completely life changing for both children and adults who have undergone the procedure.
Following some research, Leon’s family consulted the hospital to see if they would consider Leon. They are in agreement that this operation would benefit Leon. We need as much help as possible so whatever you can give, no matter how big or small, will help Leon on his way to taking his first steps.
