Jerry's SDR Wish

Jerry was born at 29 weeks, weighing a tiny 1.6kg and spent the first 6 weeks of his life in the NICU. He was diagnosed with a brain injury (PVL) at 4 weeks old, which led to a diagnosis of right hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy. It is difficult for Jerry to use the muscles on the right side of his body, making many daily tasks much harder. He wears an AFO (brace/splint) on his right leg by day and a cast on it by night, he also wears a splint on his right hand by night.

Jerry has been accepted to St Louis Children's Hospital in the U.S for SDR surgery. Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is an operation used to reduce spasticity (muscle stiffness) in some children with Cerebral Palsy.

Spasticity has an impact on motor function and quality of life. It can affect gait, cause pain and contribute to muscle contractures which can lead to deformities. It leads to premature aging. Nerve fibres running from the muscles to the spinal cord play a major role in maintaining the typical muscle stiffness seen in spasticity. SDR is a surgical procedure performed on these spinal nerve fibres to reduce levels of spasticity in the legs. SDR is not available in Ireland. We will need to stay in St Louis for 4 weeks. To get the most benefit from SDR, Jerry will need intensive physio for 2 years post surgery.

We would be very greatful for any donations towards this surgery and follow-up care for Jerry.

Thank you,

Emma and Oliver