On the Coast – Families Issue 96 I October/November 2019 | Page 41

become stronger but as time went on they began to realize that in the world of cerebral palsy it didn’t quite work like that and instead had a bit of a one step forward ten steps back kind of approach. Willow fatigues quickly as moving her body around even for short periods of times uses an immense amount of energy. With every growth spurt there are set backs and living with spasticity in her body causes pain and discomfort. They were desperate to explore options and other avenues as Willow was only a young child and they were already seeing the toll that spasticity was already having on her little body. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy there is an operation called SDR (Selective dorsal rhizotomy) a pretty invasive surgery performed on the lower spinal cord, which permanently removes most of the spasticity in the body. This operation is performed in Australia but with still a quite conservative view and a strict selection process only a couple are done each year. Willows specialist elc LUNCH was happy to consider her for review but wouldn’t begin this process until she was much older. Having witnessed countless children have the same operation overseas with fantastic results and many parents commenting that their only regret is they wished that they had done it sooner they applied overseas with Dr Parks (who is known for this operation). After a month wait they got the news. Willow was accepted, not only that it was predicted she would be able to walk independently but even better her quality of life would improve overall. The Thompson family is now on a fundraising mission with the help of family and friends to get their daughter overseas by November next year as the operation comes at a huge cost. They need to aim for over $100 000 which is a huge amount but the bigger picture is just too amazing to pass up. #willowswishtowalk To donate or for more information contact Rebecca Daley on 0403 253 538 specials elc DINNER MuNDAY $15.50 non members (join up now for $5.50) 200G WAGYU RUMP STEAK with Chips, Salad or Steamed Vegetables and Gravy specials * $12 | $17.50 members non members GRILLED, BEER BATTERED OR CRUMBED BARRAMUNDI with Tartare Sauce, Lemon, Chips and Salad or Mash and Vegetables memb ers tuesday $12 | $17.50 members non members Paddys Pad Thai or Paddys Parmi ROAST OF THE DAY PADDY’S PARMIGIANA FLAVOURS OF THE WORLD PADDYS PAD THAI | KIDS EAT FREE with Baked and Steamed Vegetables, Gravy and condiments wednesday BATTERED FISH AND CHIPS 300G STEAK OR GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST with Chips and salad or mash and veg with your choice of sauce Garden Salad, Tartare and Lemon $14 | $19.50 GRILLED RISSOLES members with Onion Gravy, Mash and Steamed Vegetables non members $14 | $19.50 or members non members $16 | $21.50 members non members with a winesday Cassegrain House Red or White thursday 2 DIFFERENT BURGER OPTIONS, changing weekly. With Complimentary Drink Voucher elc (Standard Tooheys, Cassegrain & Schweppes beverages) Plus C H E FS DA ILY S E LE CTIO N KIDS EAT FREE Erina Rugby League Football Club 18 Ilya Ave Erina | Ph: 4365 2233 erinaleagues.com.au *conditions apply *conditions apply facebook.com/erinaleaguesclub OCTOBER/NOVEMBER – ISSUE 96 41