Salima was born with a spinal cord defect and a split spine. From the first day of her life the girl has been surrounded by doctors: operations, rehabilitation, work with specialists.
The illness of the spine causes complications in other organs. When she was a baby, Salima was put on a shunt because of hydrocephalus. Fluid accumulated in the brain and deformed the skull. Over time, scoliosis was added. Another diagnosis of the girl is Chiari syndrome, in which the cerebellum descends from the brain to parts of the spine, leading to impaired muscle movement and coordination.
Salima is now 6 and cannot walk. The family has recently got a wheelchair, which makes it easier to get around at home and outside.
In a week Salima will undergo another spine operation. Rehabilitation shall help to consolidate the results. The relatives have great expectations for rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation gives these children the chance to improve and develop skills to live a fuller and more independent life. The treatments and sessions with the specialists are working, and Salima has a chance to make her first steps!
She is looking forward to this day, and is ready to work hard to make it happen! The girl is sociable and friendly, she loves to have visitors at home to talk about different things.
In the meantime she is in desperate need of our help. Let's support Salima and give her a chance to get back on her feet!
