The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Mum’s bid to help her son Noah walk
A mum in Orton Malborne is urging people to contribute to a fundraising initiative that will help her access a new medical treatment which could improve her baby boy’s quality of life.
Amelia-Chantelle Coverdale has launched a gofundme page in the hope it will raise themoneyneededtopurchase a US-based therapy system that has been specially developed to help children born with spina bifida.
Amelia’s baby, Noah, was born in August 2022 with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele and Ventriculomegaly, conditions which primarily affect his spine.
“We were told Noah wouldn’t be able to walk because of how high up his lesion is, and that he will be in a wheelchair,” Amelia said.
Now eight months old, Noah has some movement in his legs. However, his condition means he is unable to sit up unaided or crawl like other babies his age.
“He is a very happy smiley baby,” Amelia explained, proudly, “he only cries if he’s in pain.”
The 32-year-old mum has receivedconsiderablesupport fromthePeterborough-based spina bifida charity, Shine.
“They’ve been a great help,” Amelia said. Noah’s physio sessions at Shine have revealed that he can flex his hips, although his movement at the knee and below is “quite weak.”
It was through Shine Amelia first learned of the innovativetherapysystemdeveloped in Florida which she hopes to
purchase.
“It uses electrode pads and alittleunit–sortoflikeaTENS machine–whereyoucancontrol the pulses.
“You put it on the spine whereithasbeenaffectedand on their legs, feet and hips, to try and stimulate the muscles,” she explained.
Alongsidetheactualequipment,
Amelia explained the funds she so desperately needs must also cover training, an initial assessment, and subsequent follow up physiotherapy sessions held via Zoom.
“This will cost us £1,680 (for the equipment and sessions) for just one year.”
Unfortunately, the accounts clerk is not in a position to afford the initial costs.
She added: “If we can get theequipment-hemighthave a good chance of being able to get around using a walking aid when he reaches the age of three. I want to do as much as I possibly can. I really want to give Noah the best opportunity.”