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Our Kids - Meet Laura

Laura, 12, posterior fossa syndrome (PFS)

Laura has a passion for animals, particularly an old horse named Squire. Living in a stable a few miles north of her home in Orangeville, Squire is a white western horse, speckled with grey to match his mane and tail. He is a perfect height for 12-year-old Laura, who is also fond of his gentle demeanour.

Horseback riding has become therapeutic for Laura as she continues to recover from a once-severe case of posterior fossa syndrome (PFS), which affected her vision and ability to walk, talk and eat at this time last year.

PFS is a rare post-operative condition which sometimes occurs in children with brain tumours. Laura was diagnosed with the condition last year after having a benign brain tumour removed from her brain stem.

Laura spent eight weeks at SickKids recovering from the brain surgery and the following six months in rehabilitation to treat the PFS. Medical professionals helped her relearn how to speak and walk.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to live in Canada and so close to the world-class service at SickKids. We know that Laura was in the best place she could possibly be,” said John, Laura’s father.

She returned to school and horseback riding full-time in March 2011 and now attends weekly rehabilitation sessions closer to home to work on her strength and balance. Laura is grateful the care she received at SickKids has allowed her to be back on her favourite horse.

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