Joel’s back - all thanks to you
Karen and Joel James and family are now back from America after their trip of a lifetime. Photo: 9942SA-1
A BRAVE Sleaford boy and his family are back home after a five-week trip to the States for a life-altering operation.
Joel James, 11, flew out in late July to undergo a crucial selective dorsal rhizotomy operation by expert surgeons at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri to relieve some of the symptoms of his cerebral palsy, enabling him to walk without having to balance on his toes and making him less likely to fall and injure himself.
Overjoyed mum Karen James said they had arrived back home on Sunday, very tired and getting over the jet lag before starting with Joel’s physiotherapy programme on Monday.
Joel had already been making great progress with the therapy staff based at the hospital following the operation just a month ago and will have to return to America in 12 months time for a check-up.
Karen said: “I have been stretching him and doing basic exercises with him but the real work starts now.
“He has another first to get through starting senior school. Joel is continuing to work hard and is very positive about his future.”
Pleased to be back she added: “It has been an amazing experience and journey. We know it is not over yet as we need to now work daily to build up Joel’s strength further.”
She expressed thanks to everyone who has supported them and their fundraising to help make it all possible.
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Weather for Sleaford
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North
