Almost 12 months ago, you funded a special body splint (called a second skin) for wonderful little 2 year old, Odin.

At that time Odin, who has cerebral palsy, wasn’t able to sit, stand or walk unaided.  He couldn’t sit and play with his toys or friends without being propped up. He couldn’t reach for something without falling. It was hoped that by building up his core strength through the use of a second skin suit, he might gradually be able to build the strength and coordination necessary to develop these abilities. Being single and on a carer’s pension, his devoted mum Holly wasn’t able to afford it, so you guys pitched in and had the suit paid for within a week (amazing!).

Odin quickly realised that having his special suit on opened up the world to him. Soon after being fitted with it, a visit to the local shopping centre without his suit resulted in him becoming very upset and repeatedly saying “mummy Odin fall!” over and over again.  Odin started asking to wear his suit for longer than most children normally tolerate wearing it.  Because of this, his OT tells us that even when he’s not wearing his suit his trunk control and movements have improved even more dramatically than they could have hoped.

As I say, these pictures are priceless.  Yes, that IS the now 3 year old Odin sitting UNAIDED blowing bubbles (at bottom of page) and STANDING next to his toy truck.  Other incredible things that have happened as a direct result of his increased muscle tone include better fine motor control (he can isolate the movement of his hand from his arm and trunk), therefore making the trial of a powered wheelchair a very real plan for 2013, and he has also been fitted with a Hart walker, allowing him to walk independently around the house and child care.

But as all healthy young boys do, Odin had grown.  Every 12 months or so a new suit is needed to match his growth and provide different support to different areas. Odin now needed his next superman suit.  At a cost of around $2,700 we were hoping we could all pitch in again and make this happen for a very special little guy and his wonderful mum Holly.

And, of course, within a week, you did! Thank you to everyone who donated to Odin’s Appeal – especially to the Harris & George families who donated the final $997 to finish the appeal on December 18th – in lieu of buying Christmas presents for each other.  That one truly beautiful gesture shows that there are still people in our world who understand the true meaning of Christmas. We thank each and every one of them.