Frankie's life changing journey to take her first steps

Frankie was born in May 2022, her first year of life she was often in and out of hospital with symptoms confusing medical professionals, being rescue choppered twice to Starship.

She was diagnosed at 15 months with a rare genetic condition called Angelman Syndrome, caused by a mutation on the UBE3A gene located on Chromosome 15. The condition comes with developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms. Frankie will never have the ability to speak full sentences and is currently learning to communicate through sign language and other speech aids.

Her hardest challenge has been the resulting Epilepsy. Before Frankie turned one, she had the ability to wave, clap, and use her hands functionally. The seizures have damaged neurological pathways and each time Frankie has been forced to relearn these skills again.

Despite these challenges, Frankie is proving to be an extremely resilient little girl who is continuously proving medical professionals wrong.

Frankie has been given the opportunity of a lifetime to attend Centre of Movement’s 3-week programme in the Gold Coast on August 12th – 29th. Specialists will help re-wire Frankie’s brain through neuroplasticity. This therapy is $15,000 and will help Frankie move towards taking her first steps and gain more independence. This kind of physical therapy is currently not available in New Zealand and will be life changing.

We can support this beautiful family in allowing Frankie to reach her potential, even the smallest amount will help.