The Story
Orla loves being active. She started dancing when she was only three and currently participates in a selection of classes including ballet and tap. She also loves to swim, but she initially struggled with these activities because of her Cerebral Palsy that affects mostly the right side of her body, particularly her leg. Her treatment plan began eight years ago with prescription Piedro boots. However, after a year in boots Orla’s consultant and physiotherapist agreed the boots were not providing enough support and Orla was prescribed a day and night AFO, in conjunction with daily physio. As Orla grew, her overall care package also included serial casting and Botox injections. 

Orla’s mum, Lucy, says, “She has always been really good with the process of being cast for her AFO’s and approached each appointment as a little adventure, even when she was growing a lot and she’d have to go every few months to get a new AFO cast.” Orla enjoyed choosing a new pattern for each new AFO as well as shopping for footwear that would fit over them, she would giggle while trying on different sized shoes on each foot. 

Orla also loves fashion and playing with her Barbie’s so when she asked if there would ever be a Barbie doll like her, her mum knew she had to make it happen. 

The Solution
Lucy reached out to the Steeper customer service team and told us how she wanted to surprise Orla with a new Barbie doll – but not just any Barbie doll, one that looks just like her! 

To complete the look, she needed a tiny AFO, and our team were thrilled to get involved! Barbie came into our clinic, had her leg cast just as Orla does when she attends clinic, and the plastics technicians got to work crafting the adorable miniature AFO.