News Kyle could walk for first time if op is By Tracey Bryce Seven-year-old Kyle Grant from Shotts was diagnosed with spastic diplegia at 12 months. It’s a form of cerebral palsy that has a severe effect on his mobility. But on Thursday, he’ll head off to meet neurosurgeon Dr TS Park — last year hailed “Best Doctor in America”. It’s hoped he’ll take his first ever steps when he returns to Scottish soil. The £40,000 operation, called selective dorsal rhizotomy, involves opening up Kyle’s spine and passing electrical currents through his central nervous system to detect faulty nerves. Full potential The faulty nerves are then severed, allowing the healthy ones to work to their full potential. Kyle may then be able to walk with a stick. The youngster had to be screened by experts at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri to ensure he was suitable. He was accepted in April and since then parents Alan and Leeann have been fundraising furiously. And in just five months they’ve more than doubled their £40,000 target. “We thought if we could raise some and take a loan for the rest, that would be great,” said Leeann. “If that didn’t work, we were prepared to remortgage the house. Generosity “But people’s generosity has amazed us. We already have more than £100,000 and there’s still more coming in. “I can’t find words to describe how grateful we are. “The money will give Kyle the best treatment on offer.” The extra funds have allowed Alan and Leeann to consider putting Kyle forward for a second £10,000 operation to lengthen the tendons in his legs. “It’s a huge operation here in the UK, but in America it can be done by keyhole surgery,” Leeann explained. “It could make it even easier for him to walk. “We’ve pre-booked it for August 25, but we’ll have to see if Kyle is up to it. There’s no pressure to go ahead if he’s not. “We’ll also be able to fund a physiotherapist and buy gym equipment to help Kyle on the road to recovery.” Kyle, born almost three months premature, will be the second Scot to have the op, just a few weeks after Jade Mitchell from East Kilbride, who went to Missouri last month. Five-hour procedure After flying to America the Grants will have a few days’ rest before pre-op tests on Monday. Next day Kyle will have the five-hour procedure, followed by up to a week in intensive care. Then it’s three weeks of intensive physio to make sure he’s steady on his feet before flying back home on September 11. There is a risk — one mistake could leave Kyle paralysed. But to be selected is so rare it’s a chance the Grants are willing to take. “We’re excited, but nervous,” Leeann said. “The surgery could change Kyle’s life, but it’s a big worry, too. “However, Dr Park is the best and we have every faith the surgery will be a success. He’s performed SDR on almost 2000 children with a 100 per cent success rate, so we’re putting our trust in him. “This is the only option for Kyle. We’ve tried everything from homeopathic remedies to Botox but nothing has worked.” The Grants were sent off in style with a party on Friday, attended by everyone who’s donated to Kyle’s Quest. Leeann added, “We’ve been talking about it so long that Kyle just wants to go now. “He’s still too young to understand the operation fully, but knowing that it could get him on his feet is more than enough for him to get excited about. “The fact it comes with a party in his honour has really put a smile on his face!” |
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A BRAVE youngster will jet off to the States this week for an operation that could see him walk for the first time.
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