A WALLAN Primary School Student became the first Australian baby to have in utero surgery to lessen the impacts of Spina Bifida six years ago.
Bryce Taylor survived the odds when his mother, Michelle Dale took matters into her own hands and researched the condition and discovered there was an answer.
“At my 12-week scan, they identified Spina Bifida – Myelomeningocele the most severe form,” she said.
“They advised me to terminate the pregnancy, but I did my own research and went with my gut. I found a surgeon who would do it in Brisbane-[Dr Glenn Gardiner].”
Ms Dayle said Bryce was an easy baby to carry and the surgery was performed at 23 weeks in utero.
“The surgery went fantastic,” she said.
“Having it closed early saved his future,” she said.
The myelomeningocele- a protrusion of spinal cord and nerves was situated at the base of Bryce’s spine and the surgery involved closing the sac before birth so that the spinal cord would not be damaged during labour or beyond.
Bryce is leading a happy and normal life, along with his older brothers, Nate and Ashton.
“They were little when Bryce was born, one was in prep and the middle child was two. All the teachers say how helpful they have been helping their brother to settle in at school.”
One of Bryce’s favourite past times is a lunch time tennis match with Ms Stacey, and he also enjoys basketball.
It’s safe to say that PE is Bryce’s favourite subject, but he is also growing into a community minded benefactor.
“I call him my little social butterfly,” mum said.
Recently Bryce facilitated a public toy box whereby he generously donated his toys for children who needed one to take home for free.
What’s more, anyone can donate a toy to the toybox situated at the Wallan Gift store, opposite the Post Office inside Wellington Square, and this thoughtful act could help families living below the poverty line to choose a toy to regift for a present.