Benefit Fundraiser for Shelby Myro
To purchase WalkAide, a device to help this wonderful 12 year old girl walk without crutches.
Shelby's Medical History
Shelby was born without seven of
her fingers because of Amniotic Band Syndrome. At five months old Shelby was
diagnosed with Spastic Paraparisis secondary to T4, T5 tethered cord. Now at
almost thirteen, Shelby and her family need your help.
Shelby’s long list of surgeries began at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Where at just six months old, Shelby had spinal surgery to release the tethered
cord. At one, Shelby had her first of five hand surgeries at Shriners Hospital
for Children in Philadelphia. Each was scheduled just six months apart. In
miraculous fashion, the surgeons at Shriners were able to transform Shelby’s
mitten like hands into ten separate fingers. This was just the beginning for
Shelby as she would endure long and agonizing hours of physical therapy.
In 2005, after several years of twice a week physical therapy, Shelby went back
to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for another painful surgery. Shelby had a
bilateral tendon release which was followed by demanding, excruciating, and
intensive rehabilitation.
Over the next several years Shelby’s ability to walk declined. After seeing
multiple specialists and numerous testing, the diagnosis was that Shelby had a
dermoid tumor secondary to the tethered cord. Once again in January 2008, Shelby
returned to CHOP to have the 2.9 centimeter growth removed from her spinal cord.
Shelby spent five weeks in CHOP’s Sea Shore House followed once more by
intensive rehabilitation. The hope at the time was there would be improvement
and Shelby ability to walk would improve. Unfortunately that did not happen and
Shelby wears knee high leg braces and must use hand crutches to walk.
Through all the grueling medical treatments, the multiple painful surgeries,
twice weekly exhaustive physical therapy, and frequent Botox injections, Shelby
continues to excel in every aspect of her life. Shelby scored above average to
superior on her school’s standardized tests. Shelby has played the drums, sings
in the district choir since she was in the third grade, and ran for student
government. In sixth grade Shelby received the Bright Star award. During the
elementary school graduation ceremony her principal remarked that Shelby was an
inspiration to all the students. With everything this wonderful child has
endured, she continues to have a positive outlook, with a smile on her face and
she makes the most of every day.
Recently the family became aware of a device called WalkAide which helps about a
third of the people with spinal cord injuries walk without the assistance of
crutches and braces. With cautious optimism the family went to Shelby's
specialist and tried the WalkAide device. It was miraculous; Shelby was able to
walk without the aid of crutches for the first time in years. Sadly, the medical
insurance company denied the request and the appeal to obtain the WalkAide. To
see Shelby walk without crutches, the family is saddled with the full cost of
the device which they cannot afford.
With the help of Shelby’s
community, family and friends there is a benefit on June 13th 2009 to offset the
cost of the WalkAide. Shelby and her family are hopeful to obtain corporate
sponsorship to help with the benefit. In these trying times when funds are
limited any amount of money or donated goods will help. If you would like to
make a donation or can help in any way, please contact
Melissa Myro at 215-638-9967. Any help is
appreciated. All funds in excess of the cost for the device,
and a specialized mobility scooter will be donated to Shriners Hospital
for Children.
Donated merchandise, or checks (Made payable to the Myro Benefit), can be mailed
to 3819 Dresher Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
Benefit Details
WalkAide Details