Hank was diagnosed with Spastic Tetraplegic Cerebral Palsy in 2022. He is a candidate for SDR spinal surgery which he will be receiving in July of this year.
SDR spinal surgery can improve mobility, reduce pain and relieve lower limb spasticity.
Spasticity is a condition that causes stiff, tight muscles that can’t be controlled because of a problem with the signals the brain sends – or doesn’t send – to a person’s nerves. The nerves causing the most tension are cut during this unique surgery. This can also reduce the number of additional orthopedic surgeries needed over the course of a child’s life. In most cases, spasticity doesn’t return.
We are so grateful that he has the opportunity to receive this surgery to help improve his pain and hopefully help with his mobility!
The surgery will be great, however, there is an extremely aggressive therapy schedule that comes after. Hank will have to attend physical therapy 4/5 times a week for 6 months after surgery, 3/4 times a week 6-12 months after, and 2/4times a week for 12-36 months after.
Unfortunately, there is a hard cap on insurance visits and insurance will only cover about the first 2 months of therapy.
Hank, Chris, and Kaylea will also be in St Louis for about 8 days for the surgery so they will have gas, hotel stay, and food expenses during that time.
We know that times are hard for everyone right now, but if you are willing/able to donate to help Hank we would be forever grateful. If you are not able to donate but would like to help in a different way, prayers for a smooth, successful surgery are always appreciated!
Thank you for taking the time to read.