Mia Stewart is a bright and bubbly little 14-month-old who is about to go on a big adventure.
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She was born with Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency (PFFD) leaving one leg shorter than the other due to an underdeveloped femur.
Her condition was detected when parents Leila Bright and Brent Stewart went for an ultrasound when Miss Bright was 19 weeks pregnant.
Her left leg is two-thirds the length of her right leg due to the very rare condition.
Mia has a prosthetic extension that she is adapting to as she gets bigger and more mobile.
The family visits Westmead Children’s Hospital every three months for physiotherapy as well as attending weekly physiotherapy sessions in Wagga.
Her parents want what is best for their daughter and are considering all treatment options, which could include a costly trip to America.
Mia’s condition is so rare that Australian doctors and surgeons do not have regular treatment plans.
Mia’s parents have been told amputation might be her best option but Miss Bright said there could be another way.
A surgeon in Florida, Doctor Dror Paley, performs a ‘super hip surgery’ and lengthening procedure but it is costly.
The family are in the initial stages of raising $200,000 to visit the surgeon in America when Mia is three-and-a-half.
“It’s the type of money that, although we both work, you can’t pull out of nowhere,” Miss Bright said.
“I hate asking for money though, it makes me feel physically sick.”
Miss Bright said if they were to continue with treatment from surgeons in America, it could cost close to $1 million.
Mia’s parents have her best interests at heart and Miss Bright said considering the options and wondering how this will affect Mia when she is older takes an emotional toll.
“Even though she is fine in every other way, you still worry about her future,” she said.
“I want her to grow up with confidence and in a place where she is ok to talk about it.”
Mr Stewart’s family has a long-standing association with the Waratahs Rugby Union Club, who are wearing special jerseys in their game against Albury on August 15 before hosting a ball later that night.
A trust fund is currently being set up in Mia’s name to assist with funding further treatment.
Find out more about Mia’s condition by visiting Mia’s Little Leg, Big Adventure Facebook page.