❤️ Chase's Story ❤

Chase was born at 30 weeks gestation after a complex and traumatic birth which caused Chase to have a bleed on the brain, causing Level 3 Cerebral Palsy.

It was not until Chase was 18 months old when we received an appointment to go up to the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London when Chase was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy has such a broad spectrum varying in severity; it is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. In Chase's case his lower limbs are affected which causes him to walk with an abnormal gate and discomfort. Last year in 2016 we found out that there is potentially an operation called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) that could help Chase and reduce the spasticity (muscle stiffness) and hopefully provide Chase with a better quality of life, the ability to walk with a normal gate, flat feet and to play football without becoming so fatigue.

We have been attending a lot of appointments in London in preparation for his final assessment which is coming up on the 7th December 2017, where we will finally find out and see whether Chase is a candidate for SDR. The operation costs £60,000 and is not funded on the NHS, this means that we will have to pay for the operation ourselves. The cost of the operation also includes 2 years intensive physio therapy which will be required to ensure Chase benefits fully from the operation.

Chase is a very sociable little boy who loves playing football and being around his family and friends, he never gives up and always thinks about the positive side of a negative situation!

We have been so fortunate due to people's generosity with helping us fundraise, Chase has been able to attend The Footsteps Foundation twice a year, the programme includes 3 weeks intensive physio therapy using a specialist piece of equipment called the 'Spider' and other exercises to increase and reach his full potential. The exercises Chase endures help strengthen his core which enables him to stand correctly and walk with flat feet, due to Chase's muscles not growing as fast as his bones he will have to attend this therapy on a regular basis for the foreseeable future.

Chase is currently playing football for Albion in the Community which may not of been possible without everyone’s continued help and support with raising money for Chase to be able to attend The Footsteps Foundation, they specialise in intensive rehabilitation to help improve his balance and strength.

His number one passion is football and when he grows up he wants to be a professional footballer. THIS IS CHASE'S DREAM. He trains with the disabled team at Brighton and Hove Albion Football club. He has also been selected to be apart of the FA England Talent Hub which will provide Chase with the opportunity to develop his skills and stamina and potentially play for England in the future.

However should it transpire he's not suitable for this operation any money raised will contribute towards his continued six monthly sessions at The Footsteps Foundation.

Any donations big or small will help and give Chase the opportunity to benefit from this life changing operation.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY FUTURE DONATIONS

CHASE THE DREAM

Here below you will find some useful links that will provide you with any information regarding SDR and The Footsteps Foundation

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)

The Footsteps Foundation