CASA GRANDE, AZ — It's a Valley toddlers dream; walking on his own two feet, running the grass with his sisters, and no longer needing a walker.
Three-year-old Laine Bitton was born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 18 months old. Since then, he's needed help moving around. Between wheelchairs, walkers, and more, Laine's never been able to stand on his own two feet, but next month, that could all change.
“I wouldn’t put my whole family through this, and I wouldn’t put him through the amount of work he’s gonna have to put in afterward if I wasn’t confident it wasn’t gonna be life-altering," said Laine's mom, Samantha Bitton.
Laine's scheduled for surgery on June 19 at St. Louis Children's Hospital. His entire family; mom, dad, and two sisters will all travel across the country for the major procedure. Laine will undergo Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery which removes problem nerve roots from his spine, and in turn, making it easier for him to move.
“I just want him to be able to do what every other 3-year-old does," said Bitton. "Whatever he wants to do.”
