Browns Township, Michigan – Every step of Sophie Turner is a small miracle.
An 8-year-old from Brownstown Township was born with a rare congenital bone malformation.
“Her legs were the only short part of her body,” said Sophie’s mother Angel Turner. “Other than that, she was well balanced.”
Doctors first thought it was dwarfism, but it turned out to be much more rare. Sophie was diagnosed with bilateral proximal femoral focal defects. Complex birth defects primarily affect the femur.
As Sophie was getting older and her legs weren’t, doctors recommended amputation.
Her mother has tried to get second, third and Ford opinions.
“It’s been a long road,” said Turner.
Florida-based Dr. Dror Paley was the answer to their prayers.
Dr. Paley invents a surgery that saves Sophie’s leg and gives her mobility that others thought impossible.
“It was like meeting the President of the United States,” Turner said of finally getting an appointment with Paley.
“In my orthopedic world, he’s a god, so I was so overwhelmed and so emotional that day,” Turner said.
Sophie’s first surgery with Dr. Paley took place in Florida in 2019. As a result, Sophie was able to walk using a special walker instead of scooting or crawling.
It’s time for Sophie to return to Florida for her second surgery with Dr. Paley.
“We’re going to rebuild the whole leg so she can use it,” Turner said, describing part of the surgery.
Turner said the surgery was considered elective and not covered by insurance.
Dr. Paley will pay for the surgery. This means that families only have to cover travel, lodging and other recovery costs.
“(Dr. Paley) said he could walk, run and jump like any other kid,” Turner said. “I believe him.”
a GoFundme It was established to help the Turners raise needed funds.
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