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Marcus McCarthy, for the first time in his nine years of life, is finally able to walk next to his twin brother, Jacob.
When the two brothers were born, doctors diagnosed Marcus with cerebral palsy, a disorder that causes a child’s muscles to become weak and low functioning.
As a result, Marcus has never been able to stand, much less walk, next to his brother.
He’s always required assistance from others, or the use of a walker, to take his place shoulder-by-shoulder with his brother.
Recently however, Marcus had the opportunity to undergo a life-changing surgery called selective dorsal rhizotomy, a procedure carried out on the lower half of his spine that intends to repair nerve damage.
Marcus was one of 120 children who took part in a trial initiative of this surgery – and he is also one of the successful cases.
After a year of physical therapy, Marcus was finally able to stand independently – for the first time in his life – and walk next to his brother.
The entire family is thrilled.
His mother, Scarlett, said, “It has been a long but good year, Marcus has had to work the hardest. He has achieved so much in one year and yet still has a lot of work to do.”
Indeed, doctors agree that Marcus still has to strengthen his muscles and better develop his ability to use his limbs before he can be confident and independent in his body.
Thankfully, Marcus will have the support of his family, and all of his friends at school, during this process. “Their classmates are very supportive of efforts to provide physiotherapy to Marcus to make his surgery a success. It has been a very difficult time for the family but they have been very brave,” Marcus’ headteacher remarked.
The family is still seeking donations to help cover Marcus’ medical bills. If you can support this family, please do so here, and hope that Marcus will soon be able to join his brother – and all his classmates – on the playground at school.
