Roki Mills on road to recovery after stem cell treatment in India
Roki Mills was left with brain damage after a difficult birth. Thanks to the generosity of people on the northern beaches and treatment in India, he is making progress.
Nth Beaches
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TAKING apple puree from a spoon may be easy for most 17-month-olds. But for Roki Mills, who was born with cerebral palsy, it is a fantastic achievement.
The Newport boy, who has found support from the northern beaches community, suffered brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen during a difficult birth.
Related: Help us ‘fix’ Roki say his family, who hope stem cell therapy will cure him
He was left with no muscle control, tone or co-ordination and suffered continuous painful muscle spasms and dangerous seizures.
His parents, Ina, 39, and Dave, 40, of Newport, took him to India earlier this year for stem cell therapy, not available in Australia, and again in October.
Roki was given stem cells to help stimulate areas of the brain that have shut down.
After the first trip Roki’s painful spasms and seizures eased and he gained better movement and control.
Following the second trip his upper body strength has improved, along with his eye and tongue control and his ability to move his arms.
Doctors told Mrs Mills they are confident he will be able to crawl and walk, but it could take up to two years.
“It’s so exciting to see him do all these new things,” said Mrs Mills, who also has a daughter Ruby, 2.
The family are now fundraising for a third and possible final stem cell treatment.
Each trip to India costs at least $40,000 for flights, accommodation and treatment.
The family is raising funds by selling Xmas RokiRoad chocolate packs and promoting an Auction4Roki at the Collaroy Hotel on January 19. Visit rokiroad.com.au.
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