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A trip to the USA is helping Fletcher Erdos and his family return to a new normal.
Fletcher was diagnosed with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy aged just 10 months. As reported earlier this year, the family was trying to raise enough money for a life-changing operation for their six-year-old.
Thanks to the generosity of the Ardmore community, and his surgery at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri, Fletcher’s transformation has been incredible.
“It’s easier to move my body now,” he says.
His mum, Cindy Erdos, elaborates.
“Previously, he could only stand unaided for about 30 seconds, so it’s been amazing to see his strength and balance improved. His physiotherapists have been thrilled with his progress,” she says.
“His gait and leg dissociation have improved significantly. He no longer scissors his legs when he walks or when he stands, which has not only improved his gait but means that Fletcher is less of a fall risk now.”
The SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy) surgery that has been so beneficial for Fletcher is not available in New Zealand.
“The reason we don’t have it here is due to multiple reasons, such as insufficient funding, rehabilitation capacity and the expertise required, to name just a few,” Cindy explains.
“But there is groundwork being laid that could shift things in the future. I’d love to see this become a possibility, to help other children with cerebral palsy improve their quality of life and long-term function.”
In the meantime, children in need of this surgery will continue to require help from their communities.
“We felt so lucky to get funding from multiple sources to fund the trip for Fletcher. I think we had 80 per cent of the overall cost funded, which is huge considering it cost about $130,000 all up. I’m definitely relieved and incredibly grateful to have received so much support.”
Although it’s been a long road for the family, it has been worth every bit of effort, Cindy adds.
“I would 100 per cent recommend this process for parents with children who would benefit from this procedure.”
Click here to read more about Fletcher’s journey.
