Sometimes, the only path to healing for a child with severe medical needs is one we’d all wish to avoid. Stephanie was born with caudal regression syndrome, a rare genetic birth defect that impairs the development of the lower half of the body. Stephanie’s legs did not develop normally, and her feet were tucked underneath her hips. It seems counterintuitive, but this little girl’s only hope of walking was to amputate both her feet. Although amputation is not an option any parent wants for their child, in this case, it was the only path to walking for Stephanie. This brave three-year-old completed her first two flights with Wings of Hope to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis in July. We will continue to fly her to Shriners for ongoing treatment — and, ultimately, her fitting with prosthetics — as she and her family navigate her journey to walking. That will be a happy day, indeed!
