Maisie needs a helping hand

Meet Maisie our beautiful 21 month old toddler born a healthy bundle of joy in June 2017. Looking at Maisie, happy, cheeky and fun loving no-one would know the struggles she has had to endure. Our worlds changed forever when Maisie got diagnosed with a large, rare brain tumour at 4 1/2 months old. She would need invasive brain surgery. Coming up to surgery we set about making lots of fun memories together. On the morning of the surgery we kissed her goodbye as the nurses led her down to theatre. The surgery was a success and the whole tumour removed. We now faced the mammoth task of helping Maisie to recover. The following weeks and months brought many heart breaking challenges. Maisie worked hard to relearn her movement skills and remained a fighter throughout. Hospital appointments and daily physio/occupational therapy became a new way of life. Maisie also developed epilepsy and a right sided weakness. She had no functional use of her right arm and still has very little. For Maisie to be as independent as possible in the future she needs to be able to use two hands. 95% of daily tasks are bimanual and in a child's world this includes playing, climbing and cycling a bike. This is where CIMT comes in. Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a 4 week therapy. It involves casting Maisie’s strong arm for 24 hours a day for 4 weeks. This will force Maisie to use her weaker arm, like patching a weak eye. Maisie will also undergo intense physio for 3 hours per day.  Although it is not a cure and the hard work will continue afterwards. Research shows this therapy gives on average 40% increased hand/arm function. We know that it will be very frustrating for Maisie. Despite this the independence gained would be life changing. The therapy is only available in the UK and itself will cost €10,000. Accommodation, living expenses and travel to Manchester will be approximately €5,000. We can begin a programme in September. We’d love to think we'd reach our goal by then. But we are well aware this is ambitious. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Any help or a page share appreciated.