A 3-year-old St. Thomas girl will soon have life changing surgery that may help her walk without assistance for the first time. Natalie Ouellette who was born at just 35 weeks and spent 8 days in the NICU was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was 18 months old.
Once diagnosed, her parents Emily and Mike Ouellette started doing research to see what kinds of treatment was available and they came across a surgery that is not very common in Canada called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). After a referral from her doctor in April of 2018, they received an appointment for May 30th of this year where Natalie was approved for the life changing SDR surgery.
The surgery will be taking place at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto once Natalie is closer to the age of 4. In the mean time, they will be using botox to temporarily take away the spacsticity that causes her to not be able to walk.
Natalie’s mother Emily Ouellette says her family is really excited to see what the future holds for her after this surgery.
Natalie will have to spend about 3 months in Toronto at a rehabilitation hospital after the surgery and will then have to do consistent therapy the rest of her life. To help the family with expensive and to compensate for time off work, a GoFundMe page has been set up if you wish to donate.
