“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis of Assisi~
Today is the nine month anniversary of my blog. It is also the day I received news that will dramatically change my life. I am a candidate for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a surgical procedure performed on patients with cerebral palsy (CP). This surgery is going to improve the quality of my life in so many ways. My SDR journey will be long – one filled with many emotional and physical ups and downs – and definitely worth it in the end. Please visit my friend Frantz’s inspirational blog – the one that inspired me to send my evaluation packet to Dr. TS Park in St. Louis – Learning to Run: My Cerebral Palsy Journey , to read more about his experience with SDR.
The story of how I found out about SDR sounds too good to be true. Luckily for me, it isn’t. It all started with the Caregiver Cruise Giveaway Contest. I saw a post about the contest on Facebook. I planned to nominate myself, but before I got around to it, my brother wrote a beautiful letter on my behalf. I asked people to vote for me and they did – big time! Thank you to everyone who voted, shared/tweeted the link, and encouraged me every step of the way. Although I did not win the contest, it led me to a friendship with Marty, from whom I learned about SDR. If I didn’t believe that entering, let alone winning a caregiver contest was possible, I wouldn’t have met Marty or learned about SDR. I would have lived the rest of my life never knowing there was a surgery available that may be able to help me. It’s sad that I, like Marty and so many children and adults with CP, find out about this life-changing surgery by literally stumbling upon it.
I have this blog to thank for reminding me about the power of possibility. When I accepted the possibility of starting a blog and turned it into a reality, a whole other world opened up to me. I became part of the blogging community and in doing so, have met so many supportive people who accept and like me for who I am. If only all of you lived nearby! I will update you as I move along my SDR journey – a journey that may allow me to do things I previously could not do, like ride a bike! Believe in the power of possibility and watch what happens. Anything is POSSIBLE!
Oh Niole, this is wonderful news! I am so thrilled, and excited for you. I pray everything works out perfectly.
You deserve everything wonderful, because you are one wonderful lady! Hugs my dear friend…big hugs!
Thank you! I appreciate your prayers, especially since I’ll need my insurance coverage to come through before I can do anything. I’m thankful I am a candidate and will take it one step at a time. I, too, pray everything works out perfectly. 🙂
Sounds like you won something better than a cruise!
Best to you always…
Hi Rosy,
You are right. I most definitely won something better than a cruise! 🙂
Congratulations! That sounds like an amazing opportunity. We here at Cerebral Palsy Family Network wish you the best luck in your journey!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and congratulating me on my upcoming surgery. I’m looking for assistance (financial and otherwise) for my surgery. I’m hoping you can provide some valuable information. I’ll be in touch!
Oh Nicole, I am so late here. But all the same I am so happy for you. I pray fervently that everything will just turn out fine. I am sure you’ve gone through it now.
My doctor called me yesterday to say that my insurance company denied my request for a benefit exception, which would allow me to have the surgery with Dr. Park in St. Louis. I have to find a way to appeal this decision, especially since Dr. Park is the only doctor who performs SDR on adults; and, he is the BEST! Wish me luck!
Oh Nicole, so sorry for this setback. I do hope you find a way out soon. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you. I appreciate your support. I will do my best to get this decision reversed. I will find a way!