MEGAN, a 10-year-old girl from Pembrokeshire, is currently awaiting life-changing surgery in Philadelphia following her diagnosis with scoliosis at just six-years-old.
Over the past year, Megan’s spine curvature has increased from a 50 degree curve to 62 degrees, a significant curvature for a 10-year-old that will require spine straightening surgery.
Megan is currently wearing a Boston Brace 23 hours a day.
Her mother, Laura, has now discovered a life-changing surgery called VBT (Vertebral Body Tethering) that has been producing some amazing results.
This fairly new surgery is best performed on younger patients whilst their skeleton is immature and their curvature is less than 70 degrees.
The surgery will mean that Megan would maintain her flexibility and avoid further surgeries in the future. VBT also offers a quicker recovery time and a better quality of life.
Up until recently, VBT was offered in the UK as part of the NHS; however, it has now been cancelled. Megan’s only option now is to seek surgery abroad.
On Friday (Jan 27), the Milford Haven Gymnastic Club held a fundraiser for Megan’s VBT surgery at the Meads Sport Centre.
The squad gave a fantastic display of their gymnastic skills, with the West Wales Show Choir providing additional entertainment with music and songs.
To the delight of everyone who attended, £846 was raised on the evening, with the total raised for Megan’s fund by the club at £2321. The Rotary club donated £1000 towards this number.
Megan’s mum said: “We are so so grateful for this amazing club, £846 raised on Megan’s fundraising evening and with all the letters they sent out to appeal to people to help the total came to £2321!
“We are so blessed to have these amazing people in our lives who support and care about Megan so much to do all this for her.”
