Natalie Welch, Age 9
Natalie will undergo surgery Thursday, July 26, 2012 at Boston Children's Hospital to replace plates and screws in her right arm from previous surgeries. After the new year she will undergo a final surgery to replace nerves and muscle with the hope that she may finally have use of her arm.
Natalie was diagnosed at birth with erb's Palsey- Paralysis of her right arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves, injuries arising during a difficult birth.
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Natalie's right arm was paralyzed due to complications from birth. She traveled to Boston Children's Hospital for corrective surgery on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 with mom Jessica Jones, dad Shawn Welch and brother Cameron age 3. Surgeons removed nerves from behind both of her legs to reconnect them through her right arm for limited use.
John Smith, President of ACCFCB met with Natalie and her family on Monday evening, December 8, 2003 to drop off four boxes of gently used toddler toys that had been donated to the family by ACCF Correction Officer, George Baranski. John then informed the family that ACCFCB would team with the Elise Donlon Foundation to cover all expenses for this trip with Natalie to BCH.
Natalie's mom Jessica said, "if you didn't help us, there was no other way that we could have afforded to be together as a family during this very tough time - especially during Christmas".
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John Smith arrived at Natalie's home in Cohoes with a stuffed dog for her from Sergeant Larry Warner of the Albany County Correctional Facility. She immediately took comfort from her new found friend, hugging and holding him on her lap. Natalie was bandage around her upper body to keep her right arm from moving, there were visable scars on the backs of both of her legs from the surgery. She occasionally wiggled in discomfort and mom told me that she is hopeful the bandages will be removed soon. Natalie sometimes wears a neck brace, which she did not have on during my visit.
The best news reported by mom was that there was a 70% chance that Natalie will have use of her right arm someday. Natalie continues healing and doctors reported that her surgery was much more difficult than they had originally thought. Natalie will eventually go through extensive physical therapy to teach her how to use her right arm because she was never able to use it before. Mom (Jessica) and dad (Shawn) said thank you to ACCFCB and the Elise Donlon Foundation, the money that they were given for their trip to Boston Children's Hospital was a big help.
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