By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren mother will embark on a journey to America next year in order to help her five-year-old daughter learn to walk and talk.
Keira suffers from symptoms of global developmental delay and her parents, Jodie and Stephen Milnes, have decided to take her to Michigan for TheraSuit treatment, which they believe could hold the answer.
But before they get there, the Milneses need to raise as much money as they can for both the treatment and travel costs.
Keira has already experienced preliminary TheraSuit therapy in Melbourne, but Jodie and Stephen have booked her in for a six-week treatment in Michigan from June next year where the technology originated and where they feel she will be best placed to receive comprehensive treatment.
“We think we can get more out of the program,” Jodie said.
“This will be intensive therapy for six weeks and, hopefully, it can get her on her feet.
“I’ve researched it and watched footage of the therapy.
“Then I sent emails back and forth with the doctors from America and my husband and I decided it would be the best decision.”
While Keira suffers from symptoms common with those who have cerebral palsy, Keira has never been officially diagnosed with anything.
The TheraSuit program is designed to treat children with cerebral palsy by increasing their strength and the control of their muscles, resulting in greater daily functional ability.
“When they wear this suit it allows kids to have control over their body. They’ve been used since the early 2000s,” Jodie said.
“Keira already did a program in the city for three weeks where the therapist had to make do with what he had, but we’re decided to go to America.”
The Milnes, who will also be travelling to America with their six-month-old son, Lucas, and Jodie’s mum, Lindsey, have set up a fundraising page for Keira and are encouraging anyone interested to get on board and help support the cause.
For more information and to support Keira, visit https://www.facebook.com/Keiramilnes or email Jodie at jodie_stephenmilnes@hotmail.com.au.
