Brain damaged boy Roki Mills is getting stronger, says mum

ROKI MILLS suffered severe brain damage at birth. But the brave boy’s battle for a better life has won him the support of the community. He celebrates his fourth birthday this weekend.

• Roki learns to read
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IT’S BEEN four years since Roki Mills suffered devastating brain damage during birth.

Since then his devoted parents have done everything within their power to “fix him”.

Following Roki’s injury the Newport boy was left with no muscle control, tone or co-ordination, painful spasms and dangerous seizures.

Despite his severe disabilities — he cannot feed himself, talk or walk — but, against all the odds, he is now stronger and healthier than ever before.

Roki Mills pictured with mum Ina, 42, and his family, dad Dave, 42, Ruby, 5, and Rosie, 1. Picture: twolittlebirdsphotography.com.au.

He can even read.

His mum Ina, 42, said she spends around 12 hours a day trying to help Roki with his recovery.

It includes biochemical rehabilitation, which is a compression therapy that targets the fascia, a band of tissue beneath the skin that stabilises muscles and other internal organs.

The therapy involves wrapping bandages around parts of the body and pressing down on them, to mimic the vibrations the body feels when running or walking.

“When we used to pick him up he was like a bag of bones, like he might break easily. But now he feels more knitted together,” Mrs Mills said.

“It’s also helped strengthen his lungs and helped with his breathing.”

Ina Mills with son Roki, who suffered a brain injury at birth. Picture: twolittlebirdsphotography.com.au.

She also gives him hyperbolic oxygen therapy to help reawaken pathways in the brain, which has reduced his spasms and helped with his movement.

He is learning how to crawl on a special platform, using a form of physiotherapy called patterning.

Around 160 volunteers take turns to come to the house and help with the therapy, which needs three people moving his arms, legs and head at the same time.

Roki Mill's mum Ina teaching Roki to read at their family home in Newport. With dad Dave and sisters Ruby, 5 and Rosie, 1. Picture: twolittlebirdsphotography.com.au.

Roki has also undergone stem cell therapy in India and the family, which includes dad Dave, 42, and sisters Ruby, five, and Rosie, one, hope to travel out there for another session later this year, or early next.

Mrs Mills said her dream is for him to move and communicate independently.

She hopes an eye gaze machine provided by the Variety Club could one day help him ‘talk’, as it helps him choose words with his eyes. He is currently learning how to use it.

“Roki is non-verbal, but he can read and we are tuned into the different sounds he makes,” Mrs Mills said.

Roki Mills has been given an eye gaze computer so he can learn how to communicate using his eyes to choose words. Pictured with mum Ina and Ruby, 5. Photo: twolittlebirdsphotography.com.au.

“He’s very much aware of what’s going on and has a wicked sense of humour.

“He’s loving and calm, despite everything he suffers.”

She said without the help of the community Roki would not have achieved as much as he has. “Where would Roki be now without the support? I’d like to thank everyone for helping,” Mrs Mills said.

The family is constantly fundraising to help with Roki’s care.

In August they are hosting the second Soft Sand Roki Road Beach Challenge run from Dee Why Surf Club to Long Reef.

This Sunday, which coincides with Roki’s fourth birthday, they are hosting live music in their backyard. For details of the soft sand run and gig go to rokiroad.com.