Support Lilien’s Journey to Walk
With deep hope and love, we’re reaching out to ask for financial support for our daughter Lilien, who has
been bravely fighting a severe leg condition since birth.
Lilien is two and a half years old. Since birth, she has been diagnosed with severe hip dislocation and bilateral vertical talus — an extremely rare and complex foot deformity — along with other related complications.
Her treatment began just weeks after she was born, with repeated casting sessions in Prague. Soon, we had to shift our focus to her hips, and Lilien underwent a six-week traction procedure. Unfortunately, it was not successful. Due to her low weight, we had to delay two planned surgeries until she was nearly one
year old. That delay caused a relapse in her foot condition.
She then started rehabilitation to re-learn basic movements like sitting and trying to stand. Around this time, doctors confirmed a diagnosis of arthrogryposis of the lower limbs — a rare neuromuscular disorder that causes extreme stiffness of joints and muscles. Many children with this condition rely on wheelchairs or crutches.
In the fall of 2024, just after her second birthday, Lilien went through another intensive round of casting
— this time at a private clinic in Prague, where her current specialist now works. This was followed by tenotomy(surgical lengthening of tendons), repositioning of the feet, and consultations with the Pohlig
prosthetic center in Austria. There, we were told that her case is extremely complex and that the road ahead will be long and difficult.
Originally, we planned this fundraiser to help cover the cost of special braces. However, Lilien’s doctor has now opted for a different approach: surgery, followed by night-only braces. At age three, Lilien will undergo a procedure called astragalectomy — surgeons will remove bones in both feet that are currently rotated by 90 degrees, preventing her from balancing. The bones will be replaced with metal implants.
What Do We Need Help With?
Until then, we need to give Lilien the best chance to learn how to walk. Right now, she can’t squat down by herself, can only spread her legs to a 25-degree angle, and her muscles and tendons are extremely tight. She cannot stand without support. Arthrogryposis is the main reason her recovery is so difficult — even though her deformities could otherwise be treated more easily.
Your donations will help cover:
How will your donation help?
We are raising funds to continue Lilien’s therapy and support her mobility journey before her next surgery
in the fall 2025. Your contribution will go directly toward essential therapies, medical travel, and
equipment for this period.
- Hippotherapy (horse-assisted therapy) – 40 sessions = 24,000 CZK
- Physiotherapy – 20 sessions with a specialist = 14,000 CZK
- swimming therapy = 6,000 CZK
- Orthopedic shoes = 3,000 CZK
- Supportive equipment (tricycle, therapeutic ball, balance mats, walker, etc.) = 15,000 CZK
- Total goal: 74,000 CZK (approx. €2,960 / $3,200)
Hippotherapy should help improve the flexibility of her legs and strengthen both her lower limbs and core
after repeated casting. Although some physiotherapy is covered by insurance, we’ve learned from experience that standard treatments haven’t delivered the results Lilien needs. We’ve found a specialist
who works with Lilien, not just on her — and we’re finally seeing real progress.
WHY NOW?
Our Lilien is a fighter. She loves to sing — and more than anything she would love to dance along with it. She wants to run through the garden, play on the playground, walk freely, and be just like the other
kids. This fall, she’s scheduled to receive a walking aid from her doctor — something children often become dependent on. We've been given a small window of time to try to get her walking on her own —and with your help, we're determined to make the most of it.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who cares about Lilien's journey.
Your support means the world to us.
With love and gratitude,
Lilien’s Family