We are thrilled that NZ Woman's Day magazine ran an article on Jessica's story this week (mag dated 27 March 2017)! Treatment going so very well but still a fair way to go, so all funding contributions are greatly appreciated.
Here is a picture of Jess and her gorgeous friend Addie having fun during therapy with kiwi in the Janzen and Janzen Scoli Academy gym in San Jose, USA. The camraderie for both the kids and parents is therapy in itself!
Jess, you really are a true warrior! You have such a beautiful heart and spirit! Your determination is so inspiring to both Addie and I. Keep up the good work and you WILL beat scoliosis!
Hi everyone. Jessica's Mum here, Jacqueline. A little update on Jessica's progress. We have now had 3 trips this year to USA to attend Janzen and Janzen Scoli Academy to work on getting Jessica's spine as straight as we can and to avoid surgery which would be problematic to say the least in her case. Jessica is doing great! She is so determined, in good spirits, and working hard which is important for a good outcome longterm. Our therapy at home now takes about 2 and a half hours per day. Because Jessica is very late growing, especially for her age, and possibly due to a rare genetic disorder for which there are no NZ specialists, we are looking at another 3 trips to J&J clinic in USA during 2017. Your funds help pay for the clinic fees, specialised medical equipment, airfares and accomodation so a huge massive thank you for your support! The entire cost is well over $100,000 NZD so every dollar counts. We maintain a facebook page Jessica's Scoliosis Journey to raise awareness for this type of progressive researched therapy and hope one day there will be a clinic in NZ so it's an option for other kiwi kids where appropriate. Also good to raise awareness of the condition so that wonky spines can be detected earlier. Thank you again so very very much for your generous and helpful support.
Well a huge thank you to all the wonderful people who have made such kind and generous donations! No matter the amount, it all counts and we are so very grateful!
We have made a great start to Jessica's scoliosis therapy at Janzen and Janzen Scoliosis Academy in San Jose, California. It's certainly a marathon rather than a sprint, with home therapy taking around 4 hours per day (indeed!) and the need to do that for 1-2 years (until Jessica reaches skeletal maturity) but with that hard work and under the expertise of our team at Janzen & Janzen we are all confident we will achieve a result that takes us out of surgical range. That to us is success because it gives Jessica full mobility without any concerns that surgery can pose long term.
It is our hope that in time in the years ahead there will be a clinic like this 'down under' so this kind of therapy is available for all those that want to pursue it. It's not for everyone - it takes a child willing to do the hours of therapy and a very determined attitude - but for those that do want to follow that path, why not?
We are extending the close date of our Givealittle page as we are still short of our goal. Jessica needs to attend clinic at Janzen and Janzen for at least another 2 times this year, an expensive ordeal but one that is so important.
We so sincerely appreciate all the facebook 'sharing' and the donations. We will work hard to honour your vote of confidence in us.
Until next update,
Jacqueline and Mark.
