Hunter pictured with Sister Gabrielle in July 2011at Sinai Hosp in Baltimore, Maryland (Update Below).
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At the age of 8, Hunter complained of leg pain which doctors diagnosed as Bi-Lateral Legg-Calve Perthes Disease- (a rare disease that causes bone death in the ball of both hips due to a lack of blood flow). He went from being a very active child to confinement in a wheelchair.
Hunter had surgery in January 2007 and spent 5 months recovering @ Sinai Hosp in Baltimore, Maryland. He was finally able to come home in May and faced a year long extensive Physical Therapy regiment.
Hunter had another surgery on May 11, 2010 and returned home on May 22, 2010 to face several months of bed rest and a year of Physical Therapy.
Hunter received the ACCF for Children's Benefit 2007 "Courage Award" at our 3rd annual "TEED OFF FOR TOT'S" Golf Classic Event On July 6, 2007. The award highlighted the tremendous courage Hunter displayed during his long ordeal and was well DESERVED!
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7-31-2011 update from mom-
Back from Baltimore. GOOD appointment! Right Hip: Blood flow is good, all healed up, AND the containment issue hasn't changed ,which is BEAUTIFUL! We still need to watch it but it is a good sign that it hasn't changed in 6 months. Need to send xrays in 6 months and if they look good we do not have to go back FOR A YEAR!!!!!!!!!! YE HA!
Left hip still looks awful but it is contained and does not trouble Hunter like the right so that is all that matters. Long may it last!!
Hunter still has 2 screws that need to come out but we are waiting until Hunter cant stand them anymore. Hunter is so over surgery i think his leg will need to be falling off for him to admit they need to come out.
Dr. Standard wants Hunter to work on taking pain meds more often and PT for at least 9 more months plus our at home PT everyday. Hunter wasn't thrilled with either of these.
Hunter was Filmed and had still pictures taken for Dr. Standard's upcoming conference on Perthes and what can be done. Hunter is an Excellent example.
The real test on Hunter's Hips will be High school. With stairs and 80 minute classes It is A LOT. Hoping for the best and he copes OK with it all. Dr. Standard does not want Hunter in GYM so this will help.
Thanks for all the good wishes and I hope everyone is having a WONDERFUL summer!
Noelle
