Aronne Camilleri with his son Julian, 3. Photo: Jonathan Borg

A three-year-old boy born with a form of cerebral palsy is gearing up for surgery in the US that could turn his life around.

Julian Camilleri walks with the help of a frame, but his parents are hoping he will be able to gain independence by swapping his walker for crutches.

The little boy starts his day with a stretching regimen, followed by physiotherapy. The intensive routine is complemented by swimming, horseback riding or frame football sessions every week.

Just like any other toddler, Julian is inquisitive and energetic, but his exploring is limited, as he does not have the ability to stand on his feet unaided, his mother, Tanya Camilleri Haber, told The Sunday Times of Malta.

Born prematurely at 32 weeks, Julian started tilting and falling sideways whenever he tried to sit up at age six months.

Within four months, he was referred to the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU), and soon after Julian was diagnosed as having spastic diplegia – a form of cerebral palsy.

His parents were told he might not even be able to crawl, but the little boy soldiered on: he started crawling following specialised therapy in Scotland and at the CDAU. His development is continuous, and he has now started taking small steps with tripod sticks.

In recent months, Julian’s progress has become a priority for the family of four, Ms Camilleri Haber even resigning from her full-time job to accompany him during his therapy sessions.

“Despite his progress, we know that because of the increased spasticity in his leg muscles his development might eventually digress in the absence of surgery, and as he grows older he might need to use a wheelchair,” she told the newspaper. 

We know that even if after the operation he still needs the frame, we will have tried everything that we could

“Our parental instinct kept pushing us, and after seeking various opinions, we are considering what could be a life-changing surgery known as selective dorsal rhizotomy. The surgery could reduce the spasticity.”

The operation is possible in Europe, but the family has opted to have it done at a children’s hospital in the US, as it provides them the best prediction – that Julian may be in a position to walk using crutches. They were told that he would need to be assessed further to determine the potential for independent walking.

“We spent months mulling the idea. At the time, we didn’t even think about where we were going to get the money.

“Between a walking frame and crutches, we felt that the latter would allow Julian more independence. We know that even if after the operation he still needs the frame, we will have tried everything that we could.”

Following the operation in July, Julian will undergo years of intensive therapy, Ms Camilleri Haber added.

The cost of the surgery is self-funded and reaches nearly $50,000. The family anticipated a loan to cover the expenses. However, over the past few weeks they have been inundated with financial support from people and groups who organised fundraisers on their own steam.

Among others, the family has been supported by the Attard Primary School and other schools, Scouts organisations, football clubs, Puttinu Cares, the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, private companies, other parents and family and friends.

Julian’s family can be contacted at aronnecamilleri@yahoo.it or supported through bank accounts BOV 40022994659 (IBAN MT85VALL22013000000040022994659) or HSBC 042139162050 (MT14MMEB44428000000042139162050).