Victoria and Jack leading the way in WA

Undergoing major surgery is a challenge for everyone, even more so if it’s your precious children. This was the reality for Jack and Victoria's parents when they underwent Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead NSW. Victoria and Jack  were the very first boy and girl to have the SDR operation from WA….. and the results have been amazing, these children and now jumping and playing and getting the very best out of life.

SDR is a surgical procedure performed to reduce leg muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Jessica Morris, a Senior Therapist from The Centre, said, “It is difficult to describe how it feels for a child with CP to walk. The closest I can come to describing it is like us walking waist deep in water: everything is so much slower and heavier.” In addition, she said children with CP find it challenging to coordinate their movements during activities. “Once again, difficult to describe but I imagine it is like trying to thread a needle on a moving train: you know what you want to achieve but it is not always possible.”

This is why undergoing the operation has given them the freedom to run, jump and play, it’s been like a dream come true. “Victoria and Jack are finally out of the water and off the train which is wonderful to see. The Centre is very proud of their progress and achievements,” said Ms Morris.

Before the surgery, Physiotherapists from The Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital and the community supported Jack and Victoria and their family with a schedule of activities and exercises. These included stretches, walking on a treadmill, squats, leg lifts, side stepping, swimming and bike riding. Both sets of parents said it wasn’t easy to keep the children physically active for an hour each day, but they said they are very proud of children’s efforts and now the results speak for themselves.

To say thanks for the support both children received from The Centre, Victoria and Jack are taking part in The Centre’s ‘You Be the Difference Campaign’. Both children are happy to share their inspirational stories to help create greater awareness around CP and the work of The Centre.