Help Diego Walk !

Hello family and friends,

We need your help please!

We are raising funds to pay for Diego’s surgery and rehabilitation costs to give him a chance to take his first independent steps.

Diego is a very bright and happy 6-year-old boy. He lives in Bosnia with his mother Marija and father Davor. They are a beautiful young family.

Diego was born prematurely and as he got older his parents noticed that his movements were very stiff, and he wasn’t able to move with ease as he should at his age. At 18 months old Diego was diagnosed with Spastic Cerebral Palsly (SCP).

Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that usually appears in infancy or early childhood and permanently affects muscle control and coordination. In Diego’s case it has affected his legs and feet.

Marija and Davor have tried their hardest through physical therapies and treatments to help Diego. However, SPC has made is hard for Diego to move, at 6 years of age he is still unable to walk independently. Diego mainly crawls and stands up inside with his walking frame.

Diego has been given an opportunity to have a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery by a world-renowned surgeon Dr T.S Park at St Louis Childrens Hospital USA.

Selective dorsal surgery (SDR) is a surgical procedure to permanently reduce spasticity (muscle tightness) in children with cerebral palsy. It involves cutting certain sensory nerve fibers lower spinal cord that are causing muscle tightness in their legs.

Having this surgery will change Diego’s life! How will it change his life?

• His spasticity will be PERMANENTLY reduced.

• His sitting and standing postures will improve.

• His transition between postures will be easier and faster.

• His balance and level of comfort will improve.

• Diego will be ABLE TO WALK INDEPENDENTLY indoors and outdoors with crutches.

If Diego doesn’t have this surgery his muscle spasms will get worse. Pain is his legs will get worse and damage will be irreparable.

SDR surgery while quite successful isn’t cheap. Estimated cost of surgery and post-operative care is estimated $150,000AUD.

As a community we can make a positive impact. Please help us give Diego a chance to achieve his full potential. Every little bit counts, and any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Family Salic