A DONATIONS appeal has been launched to help a Coventry boy who dreams of being able to walk undergo a life-changing operation in America.
Jacob Davidson, 3, who lives in Coundon with his family, has cerebral palsy and can no longer walk after his condition deteriorated.
Cerebral palsy is the name of a lifelong condition caused by a brain defect that affects movement and co-ordination and occurs before, during or soon after birth.
His family enlisted the support of charity Just4Children which has launched an appeal to raise £90,000 for pioneering surgery.
The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery treats muscle spasticity caused by abnormal communication between the brain and muscles.
The charity says that Jacob has conquered multiple serious conditions already and the surgery could help him ‘achieve great things’.
The appeal, written by Jacob’s parents Jenny and Mike Davidson, states: “Jacob was born at 25 weeks old.
“Throughout his stay in hospital he overcame sepsis, renal failure, pneumothorax, ROP surgery and since has developed auditory neuropathy and chronic lung disease.
“When he was 18 months old we were told that Jacob had cerebral palsy when he failed to meet milestones.
“As he has become older the spasticity in his legs has become worse but we believe we have found a long-term solution in SDR surgery.
“It cuts the nerve rootlets in the spinal cord, thus reducing spasticity while improving the range of motion and functional mobility.
“The money raised will pay for the surgery in America along with pre and post-operation therapy and equipment.
“Jacob is a funny, determined, inspirational boy who deserves a chance at a pain-free life with no limits.
“Help us make it his reality. Thank you.”
The funding appeal has already raised nearly £12,000.
Just4Children is a charity dedicated to relieving sickness and preserving good physical and mental health among children and young people under 25 in the UK.
It provides services and grants to enable children to obtain medical support.
To donate visit here.
