Meet Amy.  Amy has what is thought to be a very rare genetic condition – so rare that doctors have so far been unable to give a 100% diagnosis.

What they do know is that Amy has a type of neurological condition that affects her muscle control.  Amy can’t walk and suffers from abnormal movements and core stability problems.

In 2010, when just 18 months old, Amy’s medical team had recommended that she be fitted with a body splint – called a Second Skin Suit.  This suit would give Amy greater independence in upright positions such as standing and sitting.  She’d wear it every day, allowing her muscles to work better and get stronger.  It was hoped that it would also help to reduce Amy’s involuntary, abnormal movements.

Amy’s suit cost $1,960 and we were thrilled to be able to fund that suit for Amy thanks to the generosity of our wonderful I Give A Buck community and some grant funding from Australian Unity Foundation.

Amy’s skin suit literally changed her life.

For the first time ever she could sit unaided and could see a totally different perspective of the world around her.  It helped her posture so much that she was able to eat food without it having to be pureed first.  And she loves it!  Amy had been in danger of having to have a PEG feeding tube inserted into her tummy, so this was a fantastic bonus for her.

In August 2011 Amy’s physiotherapist suggested that an iPad would be really useful for Amy to help develop her communication skills. We were only too happy to provide Amy with an iPad through our iPads for Priority Kids Program. The touch screen functionality of the iPads are ideal for children with muscle tone issues who would never be able to use a traditional keyboard.  There are some absolutely terrific learning and development apps designed for children too. Have fun Amy!

And now, we’ve just finished another appeal for Amy and raised the $1,990 needed for Amy’s next suit. Go Amy!