Preparing for the next big lengthening.

 Here we are just over 3 months out from Madi's next big lengthening surgery.  To say I am anxious and dreading it would be an understatement.  Lucky for us, Madi is very excited to begin the process and to get closer to having both legs even.  Madi has been doing great since her last lengthening.  She has enjoyed the time away from doctors and physical therapy.  She is now in second grade and loves it and has so many great friends.  Since her last lengthening where she gained 8.6cm of length, she has grown so much and her discrepancy is now around 8cm, as her bones in her right leg do not grow at the same rate as her left.  It doesn't slow her down though.

  We are so blessed that Madi's dad has lots of vacation/sick leave and will be able to spend quite a bit more time with us down in Florida.  This will be great as we juggle schedules between the two kids.  We were given the option of Madi having the internal fixator this time but with much prayer and research we have decided that the external fixator that she had before would be our best option.  There are more potential risks if there are complications or infections and the internal doesn't provide the stability to her hip that we can get with the external.  As many of you know we have already had to endure 3 hip surgeries to get Madi's hip where it should be so that stability and protection of her hip is essential to us.  Having the external fixator does also mean that this will not be an easy road for her.  Externals do come with their own negative factors.  Physical therapy and pin care are very painful and difficult but we know that Madi is a strong fighter and can get through this once again,

  We are trying to plan some fundraisers before we leave,  As you all know, this is a huge expense for our family.  Not only are there the medical cost but the travel costs and lodging are huge.  We were so successful with our fundraisers with our last lengthening and we couldn't be more thankful to everyone who donated,  We hope you will find it in your hearts to help us once again.  I am looking into t-shirts, a fundraiser event and fundraising page to get us going.  As always there is also a pay pal button right on this page too.

  We just want to thank all of you for your continued support and prayers for Madi and our family as we trudge along this difficult road.  We are blessed to have such an amazing support system.  Love to you all!

The Willcox Family