Lillyanna had a traumatic birth. 10 days overdue, she was born with low tone, required resuscitation and a feeding tube was inserted through her nose. She spent the first five weeks of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit undergoing numerous tests.
Diagnosed with a suspected genetic condition Mitochondrial Disease, bulbar palsy, autism, global development delay and chorea – a movement disorder that causes involuntary irregular movements of the muscles.
When Lillyanna first came to Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, she was 5 years old and struggled with crawling, standing up, and walking independently. Since starting at the centre, Lillyanna has begun to develop her skills and has been working on standing, even managing 20 seconds of independent standing with minimal support.
Lillyanna loves to read books as she works on her mobility and motor skills, with her mum often reading to her as the team support Lillyanna to complete her sit to stands, independent standing and sitting supported by a peanut ball.
“We cannot believe the difference in Lillyanna since she started at the Dame Vera Lynn Charity. To see Lillyanna standing independently brings tears of joy to us. The amazing work that Istvan has done to get Lillyanna to where she is now, in such a short space of time, is remarkable. We will be forever grateful for the help of this incredible charity.”– Lillyanna’s mum, Rebecca
