Waikato teen with cerebal palsy wants US surgery, but ACC can’t pay for it – Waikato Times

TE AHUA MAITLAND

Last updated16:25, March 3 2017

CHRISTINE CORNEGE FAIRFAX NZ

Kate Harpur, 19, wants surgery in the U.S to help her walk without assistance. ACC won't cover the surgery, so she is fundraising at her local gym, with a biking event.

Teenager Kate Harpur needs a walking stick to get around.

Hercerebral palsy causesher to havespasms in her legs.The 19 year old wants to have surgery in the United States by a specialists inSelective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), aprocedure that will reduce spasticity and improve her walking, sitting, standing and balance.

It will cost around $100,000, including the surgery, flights and accommodation. And she wants ACC to pay for it.

Her cerebral palsy was declared a "treatment injury", oncecommonly known as "medical misadventure", sufferedwhile her mother was pregnant with her.

READ MORE: *Nelson woman raises $20,000 for overseas digestive treatment *Help needed for cerebral palsy sufferer's walking dream

Harpur said hermum had a strep B infection while pregnant, and a correct protocol of antibiotics was not followed, resulting in her cerebral palsy diagnosis.

"Because they didn'tfollow [protocol], I am the way I am."

Harpur's CP has been covered by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), but it won't cover overseas surgery.

"I don't understand. I'm sure they would pay for it if someone here could do it, but they won't because it's overseas?

"I'd behappyif ACC gave me $50K and said that goestowards the surgery, then that's $50,000 less I would have to come up with."

ACC spokeswoman StephanieMelville said that if surgery, as it relates to a covered claim, is carried out in New Zealand, ACC would be able to consider a request to fund it.

But ACC legislation does not allow for funding surgery outside of New Zealand.

She said ACC would be able to provide the necessary support and rehabilitation on Harpur's return to New Zealand but could not fund the surgery.

Harpur said it's unfortunate there is no one in New Zealand to do theprocedure.

But she can't sit around and dwell on it.

She hopes to get to the USin December for the surgery.

She is fundraising for the procedure with a "Ride to Help Kate Walk"at City Fitness, Te Rapa, where you pay $10 anhour for a ride on the bike.

Harpur is looking forward to being able to walk without assistance, to get out and play sports and be able to keep up with her class.

She is currently studying at Waikato University to be a primary school teacher.

The fundraiser ison Saturday,March 25.

Contact Kate Harpur on 027 841 6795 for more information.

-Stuff

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Waikato teen with cerebal palsy wants US surgery, but ACC can't pay for it - Waikato Times