Tiny Warrior with Cerebral Palsy From The Start
My name is Briella Naif and I’m a sweet, darling, happy 4-year-old girl. I was born 6 weeks premature weighing only 3lbs 11oz and spent 24 days in the NICU. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) which effects all four of my limbs, but this diagnosis doesn't stop me from enjoying life to the fullest. My infectious smile and personality lights up the world with anyone who meets me. I am non-verbal but a very social girl who loves school, books, and all things girlie girl. I go to multiple different therapies each week such as: Speech, Physical and Occupational therapy. Currently, I use a walker and wear AFO’s (foot braces) every day, which assist me with everyday aspects of life. This year I underwent a life changing surgery to give me the ability to one day take my very FIRST INDEPENDENT STEP!! Cerebral Palsy won't stop me!!
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery CHANGES LIVES
On June 22, 2018 I underwent a LIFE CHANGING surgery called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) at Mott Children's University of Michigan Hospital to help get rid of the spasticity in my body caused by Cerebral Palsy. “Spastic" is high muscle tone and tightness in my muscles which is very painful and worsens with aging especially through growth spurts. This major back surgery will help my bones and muscles grow and develop properly, which will give me a greater chance of INDEPENDENT WALKING. Without this surgery I may be bound to a wheelchair later in life and may not have any independence as the spasticity will cause pain and tightness.
For the surgery to be a success, I will need intensive physical therapy every day in office 3-5 times a week for a YEAR after the surgery to be able to learn to walk again and build strength throughout my entire body. However, insurance only covers 34 PT/OT visits for the year and I will max out of these visits. For an hour of pediatric PT it costs $150+ out of pocket once we max out. Physical therapy is crucial for me after SDR surgery for the surgery to become a success, so I can one day take my first independent steps. I will require well-over 200 PT visits within the first year after SDR surgery.
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery Update
I am 4 months post op from SDR surgery and already this surgery has given me great results. It’s like someone finally turned on my light switch. I am so close to taking my very first independent step and my speech is also starting to improve. Currently I am learning to walk and talk and through hard work at home, in school and in therapy. I know I will make great strides this year and for years to come. Nothing will stop me from working hard because I am capABLE of changing the way people view others with challenges and special needs. I am sharing my amazing Cerebral Palsy journey with the world to inspire kindness, acceptance and inclusion for all and to give hope to others who live with CP and other challenges. Please stop by and say "HI" and don’t forget to give someone a "Briella" smile today. 😊 I am so blessed with all the great support we have had these last 4 months. I continue to amaze everyone around me!
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Share & Follow Briella's Story Facebook+ Instagram
Instagram @briellaandme
Facebook: Briella+Me
2. Donate here GoFundMe- briellas-wish-to-walk https://www.gofundme.com/briellas-wish-to-walk
THANK YOU for taking the time to read Briella's story. We greatly appreciate your donations to help our daughter kick Cerebral Palsy in the butt!! God Bless you!! We hope to raise awarness of Prematurity and Cerebral Palsy with the world by sharing Briella's story to inspire others, and send a little cheer along the way.
Love,
Matt, Caroline and Briella Naif
NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!
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