Alice is having surgery!

Thank you for taking the time to read this! Many of you know Alice and our story, but for those of you who don’t, Alice is a kind, sweet 4 year old little girl who has a smile that is infectious. Many of you also know a bit about Alice’s story, but if you do not, Alice was a victim of child abuse at 4.5 months old that left her with several life long injuries. I adopted Alice when she was 2 years old. Some of her injuries that resulted from the abuse require surgery, like one coming up on August 3rd in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Parks, a pediatric neurosurgeon, specializes in select Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgeries (SDR). Alice suffered traumatic brain injury which caused spastic cerebral palsy. This causes muscle tightness in her leg, which over time causes deformities if not taken care of. After a lot of research, prayer, consideration, doctor visits, physical therapy and so much hard work, we have decided surgery is best for Alice. I am hopeful that surgery will help her with her balance and stability which would result in less falls, eliminate the pain in her leg, help her to dress herself, and ultimately ride a bike.

Alice is a strong and amazing human. I am honored to be her parent. This next step for Alice is just another part of her story. We will travel to St. Louis from Hutchinson the day before surgery and the doctor said to expect that Alice will be in the hospital for about 1 week. After surgery Alice will require intensive physical therapy 5 days a week for about 6 months. I recognize that we have significant expenses ahead of us, which include the expense of traveling to St. Louis for surgery and taking off work. While it is difficult to ask for help, a friend offered to lead fundraising efforts to assist with covering travel expenses and I agreed to it. I want the very best care for and have faith that this is the next best step for her. I appreciate everyone’s love and support! I am so proud of everything Alice has accomplished. I love her so much and think she is capable of so much!

Shauna