US op gives little Eve hope of walking (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Seven-year-old from Menston is recovering well after successful surgery by top US specialist
11:00am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in Otley
By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter
Eve Williams, from Menston, with her parents David and Gina before her operation
A seven-year-old girl is on the road to recovery after a life-changing operation in America to help her walk.
More than £100,000 has been raised to enable Eve Williams from Menston undergo the surgery at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri and help pay for subsequent physiotherapy and rehabilitation for the youngster, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
But now, more than a week after a successful operation, by the world-renowned Dr T S Park, Eve is on the mend.
Her parents have written a blog on her fundraising website, evesjourney.co.uk, to update people on her progress following the surgery last week.
And they say although the rehabilitation process is difficult, she is on the right track.
“Week two was always going to be the hardest, and so it proved to be. Everyone says the op puts the kids back massively, but it’s really soul-destroying when it actually happens,” the blog says. “Seeing your child in so much pain is pretty horrible, but Eve has worked really hard at physio – two hours a day – and is getting back to where she was pre-op.
“She can do some assisted crawling again and is getting better at the physio programme each day.
“The op has had a profound effect on her legs and left arm, which seem much looser. It must feel very strange and will take some getting used to.
“We have Eve’s new K-walker now and hope to start using it next week when she gets her new splints.
“Can't wait to see her in it as it will give her lots of independence. It’s quite frustrating as we just want to see her walking, but we know we need to build her back up first.
“We’ve made some really good friends here. Many of them left this week and we wish them all well for the future.
“Different children have all gone home, which gives us lots of hope for Eve.”
Dr Park is a specialist in selective dorsal rhizotomy, a procedure which corrects misfiring nerves, significantly improving a patient’s mobility.
The procedure is followed by intensive physiotherapy in the US and further treatment back at home, which could last up to five years.
Eve is also due to have an operation to lengthen her heel chords today.
