Cas has Cerebral palsy & needs major corrective hip surgery. 6 wks live-in Rehab post op, needs mum or dad with him. Recovery up to 6 mths.
Auckland
This Give-a-little page is for Casper Healy and family. Cas has cerebral palsy and epilepsy. At 6 it looked as though he would walk on his own; however the onset of strong and hard to control seizures reduced his physical and verbal ability significantly. His balance centre has been affected and his thigh bones have over time become 50% dislocated out of his hip joints. Now 10, Cas is beginning to get pain which will increase as he grows.
His Orthopaedic specialist has recommended a femoral osteotomy operation which cuts through both femurs (thigh bones) and repositions them at an angle so that the top of the femur returns into the hip socket. His bones are then held in place using titanium bolts and plates. Surgery is scheduled for mid November this year. Recovery time is expected to be from 3 to 6 months beginning at Starship with a 5 hour operation, one week in hospital, then a further 5 to 6 weeks staying at the Wilson Centre for recovery and rehabilitation, followed by daily outpatient therapy post Christmas.
Due to Cassie’s high physical needs the family has only one income. During his many hospital stays Dad cannot work as one parent needs to be with Cas and the other at home with Casper’s brother and sister. Dad is self employed so this means no income. Post surgery will be challenging, supporting Cas and keeping afloat financially, particularly during weeks while he is in a cast and in rehab. Someone needs to stay with him at Starship (probably Mum) and at Wilson Centre (Mum, Dad or grandma taking turns). Hence I (Grandma Barbara) have created this page so that Dad can take some time off work to be with Cas, and the family will not get too far behind again financially.
I/we thank you so much for your support; it means everything.
Grandma Barbara, Cas & family
Life with a disabled child is really challenging let alone him having major surgery and the long recovery time. Hence I have set up this page to help my son and family get through this time without getting into financial trouble.
Mortgage, food and bills for family during rehab.
Huge thanks 28 April 2018
Casper’s family wish to thank all the generous donors to our page, and express our deep appreciation of your generosity over the last months – in particular, those we have not known to thank personally. Your gifts eased our financial stress considerably over the time of Cassie’s operation, intense post-op weeks in Starship, Wilson Centre, and then after Christmas, at home.
His rehab is continuing slowly – as we had been told to expect, (somewhat frustratingly slow). By later January he was getting onto his knees again and during February his motivation to move returned. He is now just beginning to be able (with support) to put a little weight on his legs for a few moments. He is continuing to have weekly physio at Wilson Centre plus some physio at school. All this has meant far more use of a wheelchair, a lot more lifting, and the need for two people at times.
What is good is that he seems to be out of pain, and we are still hopeful and focused on encouraging and helping him get back to being able to hold himself upright. He is back to swimming once most weeks and is now kicking well and evenly with both legs.
So again, many, many, thanks for your support,
Warm regards, Casper and family
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