Evelyn is a sweet and social 5-year-old little girl who attends River’s Edge Academy Charter School (REACH). She is very intelligent and loves her friends, science projects, and making cookies.

Evelyn was diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP) when she was a year and a half old. This condition affects the lower part of her body and requires her to rely on her wheelchair, walkers, and other devices that help her stand and move around.

It is very important for Evelyn to receive physical therapy, however, the pandemic didn’t allow for much therapy to take place, so Evelyn regressed quite a bit in her mobility.

Evelyn is now scheduled for a selective dorsal rhizotomy to take place in June 2024. This procedure is an 8-hour surgery that will take place at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri.

A selective dorsal rhizotomy is the most effective treatment option for children with CP. Evelyn will undergo a level one laminectomy, which will remove a vertebra that covers her spinal cord and will expose nerves that control the lower extremities. Doctors will cut the most spastic nerves in hopes of releasing tension in her muscles.

Evelyn will be on bed rest for three days after the surgery and then have one month of intensive care therapy.

Even with Evelyn’s challenges, she always has a bright and beautiful smile. She is determined and eager to walk on her own.

Evelyn will be adopted as the Sparrow to Grants Pass High School. GPHS students will work hard to earn money for Evelyn through sponsored community service.