Jesse was born 10 weeks early and was incubated for the first few weeks of his little life going through so much. When we thought all was well he was diagnosed with a condition called PVL (PERIVENTRICULAR LEUKOMALACIA). A type of brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain.

A symptom of PVL is cerebral palsy, which Jesse was diagnosed with at a very young age. This has caused increase tone in his legs and weak core control. We were told he may be wheelchair bound with vision problems and we thought the worst, but Jesse is a little fighter. With physiotherapy and Jesse’s determination he has come on leaps and bounds. He cannot stand or walk unaided but he has a walker that he is a professional on and uses it with the confidence of an adult. He is a little soldier and despite all he has been through in such a short period of time, he still faces each day with a big smile. We now have the opportunity to take that extra step and give Jesse the best chance of independence we can.

SDR surgery (selective dorsal rhizotomy)

This surgery is a very complex procedure, which consists of cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal cord. This will stop abnormal signal to the brain, spinal cord and muscles, relaxing the tone in his legs. This life changing operation will change Jesse’s life and give him the future he deserves.

We have recently found out that the surgery in now available on the NHS, however, it is followed by a minimum of 18 months intensive rehabilitation. Jesse will need private physiotherapy and specialist equipment pre and post op to ensure he goes from strength to strength after the SDR. This is the reason we are asking for your help. Jesse was born a brave little fighter and with your help he will show you just what he’s made of.

Help us let Jesse walk beside his friends and not behind them.