Help Kallie Achieve Her Dream of Walking

Hi, I’m Kallie, and I’m 12 years old. I was born with congenital heart disease and cerebral palsy. Despite these challenges, I try very hard not to let them affect me. I’m now in mainstream secondary school, and I love it! However, I still have dreams of becoming more independent, like my friends, and being able to take part in everyday activities just like they do. Let me tell you a bit about my story and why I need your help.

My Journey So Far

When I was born, doctors didn’t know I was sick until I was 6 days old. I had jaundice so severe that I turned orange, and both of my eyes were green. At that point, doctors discovered that my heart had multiple problems, but after some special medication, I didn’t need surgery. My first year was tough, with many ups and downs, but thanks to my amazing cardiologist at Royal Brompton and my medications, my heart is now functioning normally.

At the age of 7, I underwent a 9-hour open-heart surgery to fix the main issue with my heart. Though the doctors didn’t expect the results to be what they were, the surgery was a success.

When I was just one year old, I was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. This means that my brain doesn’t send signals to my legs, and I struggle to use them properly. But again, thanks to the incredible team at Great Ormond Street and my local physiotherapists, I’ve been able to make progress.

How Your Help Has Already Made a Difference

When I was 6 years old, I was recommended for a life-changing surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). At the time, it wasn’t available on the NHS, but with the support of Tree of Hope and many kind people, I was able to undergo the surgery at the age of 7, along with a year’s worth of physiotherapy. SDR surgery has made a huge difference in my life, and I am so grateful for the support I received.

Why I Need Your Help Again

Since my SDR surgery, I’ve grown a lot, and unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic caused many of my therapy sessions to stop. Life has become much more difficult, but I continue to try my best. I’m supported by a personal trainer, NHS physio, private physio, and I also enjoy horse riding. I’d love to start swimming again to help build more strength.

But here’s the problem: While the NHS offers some physiotherapy, they are so strained that they can only provide a limited number of sessions. This isn’t enough to help me reach my full potential, so I have had to rely on private therapies, which come at a cost.

I’m asking for your help to fund my continued therapy so I can keep working hard towards my dream of walking and becoming as independent as possible.

What Your Donations Will Help With

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in my journey:

SDR Surgery: £27,000

Physiotherapy: £7,800 per year

Swimming & Horse Riding: £2,000 per year

Personal Training: £2,150 per year

Special Equipment: £452

I know it’s a big ask, but I’m determined to keep fighting and defying the odds. I can’t do this without your support, and I truly hope you’ll help me continue my journey.

Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to read about my story. Your donations will mean the world to me and will help me get closer to my goal of walking. Please consider supporting me, and don’t forget to share my page with your friends and family.

With love,

Kallie xx

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.