A young Grand Falls-Windsor girl unwrapped a giant Christmas present from a local fraternal group last week.
Ally Farr, a Grade 6 student at Millcrest Academy, who has spina bifida, received a special three-wheeled red bicycle from the local Elks Lodge and its Royal Purple sister organization.
Spina bifida, a disorder involving incomplete development of a fetus's brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings during the first month of pregnancy. The nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs.
There is no cure for spina bifada because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment for the variety of effects of spina bifada may include surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. Many individuals with spina bifada will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments may be necessary to prevent and manage complications throughout the individual's life.
In Ally's case, her mom Barbara says she's had many surgeries, which have helped her condition, but she will need more. In fact, Ally will be returning to the Janeway sometime in January to have fluid removed from her spine, and will be in hospital for at least a month.
"By the time she gets out and heals up, it will be good timing with the weather getting nice and she will be able to use her bike," she said. "The bike should help Ally in that it will keep her leg muscles from seizing up."
Ally never used a wheelchair until she was in Grade 5. Normally she can get around with her crutches, but now that she has a bike she can have a little more independence in the places she can go, added her mom.
"Even having her legs rotating when riding the bike, it might help loosen up fluid and help it drain off her spine, thus avoiding unnecessary surgeries," she said.
The Elks have come to be known throughout the years for their many community service and philanthropic programs. Ally's special three-wheeled bike was made possible through the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, of which among its mandate is personal assistance to individual children with special needs.
Ted Murphy of the Elks Lodge said the members were very proud to see Ally's face light up when she saw her bike. The bike costs $3,000 and it isn't the first one the lodge has donated to a special needs child.
"The quality of life that many children, and in some cases whole communities, enjoy can be either directly or partly attributed to projects funded through this national charity," said Mr. Murphy. "We are only too glad to be able to help Ally achieve a better quality of life with a gift that's just right for her."
Youth receives big red bike from purple Santas
Ally Farr received a special three-wheeled bike from the local Elks and Royal Purple organizations in Grand Falls-Windsor. She said it was the best Christmas gift she could ask for.
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Published on
December 31, 2007
- Published on June 22, 2010
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Wendy Houlihan
A young Grand Falls-Windsor girl unwrapped a giant Christmas present from a local fraternal group last week.
Ally Farr, a Grade 6 student at Millcrest Academy, who has spina bifida, received a special three-wheeled red bicycle from the local Elks Lodge and its Royal Purple sister organization.
Spina bifida, a disorder involving incomplete development of a fetus's brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings during the first month of pregnancy. The nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs.
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