Memphis Jax Killoran was born on the 11th of July 2011. Memphis had a very difficult birth and was delivered by emergency c-section. He was not breathing when delivered and because of this he received damage to parts of his brain. His parents Kallan and Jemma endured the worst possible prognosis. Later this was revised to a more positive outcome only to be told after 3 months the original prognosis stands. Despite being sedated for weeks Memphis became a bright, bubbly baby who reached his milestones early until around 7 months when his physical development stopped. Memphis has been diagnosed with Quadriplegia Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy. Quadriplegia being all four limbs and trunk affected and Hypertonic refers to his low muscle tone. Cerebral meaning the area of the brain affected. Palsy meaning disorder of movement. Memphis’ Cerebral Palsy has not affected his learning abilities and he is one clever little boy. It is very important that physical and occupational therapy continue in Memphis’ first few years to prevent weakening or deterioration of his muscles. Memphis has been receiving weekly treatment in both Physical and Occupational Therapy since he was 12 months old. He receives this treatment at both Monash Hospital Melbourne, and by local therapists. In April 2013 Memphis attended a 3 week intensive therapy program in Sydney which was run by an American company called NAPA. This trip cost Kallan and Jemma $12,000. The program was so successful and rewarding for Memphis that Kallan and Jemma have decided to take Memphis to Los Angeles to The NAPA Centre for further intensive therapies as unfortunately these programs are not available in Australia. Memphis also requires a uniquely designed walker. This walker will allow Memphis to interact and play with other kids while improving his natural gait. It will also allow him to gain a sense of independence. Kallan and Jemma have exhausted the very limited funding avenues available from both state and federal government and have been told the walker will cost $6230. As you can imagine the lead up to Memphis’ diagnosis was not easy. Dealing with emotions and realisations has taken time, but Kal and Jem’s love for their son has turned that shock and heartbreak into determination. Determination that Memphis will be given every opportunity to help him achieve anything he wishes and that the hand he has been dealt will not define his life. Memphis’ treatment and equipment has put a huge financial strain on Kallan and Jemma. It is for these reasons we, family and friends of Kallan, Jemma and Memphis, are holding fundraiser events for Memphis to enable him to receive the best possible treatments in his quest to walk and achieve his best self. I have a number of fantastic donations to auction which will be uploaded in the next couple of days. If you can donate anything that I can put up for auction please email me the details and pics etc ASAP. Donations can also be posted to: “Walking in Memphis” C/O TANYA GRAHAM PO Box 591 Frankston Vic 3199 Kind Regards Tanya Graham Fundraising Coordinator 0412 755 546 [email protected]
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:44:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015