Two little girls avoided amputation and are able to walk thanks to a miraculous new surgical procedure. INSIDE EDITION has their story.
Two little girls are adorable medical miracles, just in time for the holidays.
Doctors said the girls would never walk and even recommended ampuation. But today, little Jade is standing, taking her first steps walking along the sea shore.
Jade's mom, Shenan said, "It's beautiful to see her walk."
And Gracie is off and running on the lush grounds of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Tump's famed estate in Palm Beach. It's a dream come true for her parents.
Gracie's mom, Amanda said, "It's the best kind of miracle and it's one that you pray for everyday."
Fox TV host Greta Van Susteren was there and said, "I can't keep up with her." She hosted a fundraiser for the surgeon who saved the girls feet and was inspired by how far the girls have come.
The girls amazing journey began last January. Baby Jade was born with her foot badly twisted backwards. One doctor's prognosis was grim.
"After he said amputation, my mind went blank and I really didn't hear anything else he said. I think I broke down in tears," said Shenan.
Mom, Shenan Spraiberry and her husband Ephraim, took baby Jade to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. On the day of the surgery, there were anxious tears as dad carried his precious little girl to the O.R. for the life changing procedure.
"It's probably the hardest thing I've ever done," said Ephraim.
Dr. Dror Paley has pioneered a limb lengthening procedure as an alternative to amputation, explaining, "She will be able to walk around, play, jump and everything else. It's senseless to throw that foot away, in my opinion."
The innovative surgery involves precise drilling of wires into the baby Jade's bone. Then Dr. Paley meticulously constructs a cage of metal rings and adjustable rods that will literally twist the foot into a normal position.
After four hours, baby Jade is wheeled out of the O.R. and into recovery. Mom and dad checked out the device.
Little Gracie Burke had the same surgery. Just a few days later, she was already on the go.
Each day, Gracie's dad adjusted the fixator rods a millimeter at a time, re-positioning Gracie's foot.
"The device is so strong, they can walk on it.. She's just starting. She'll be running on it," said Dr. Paley.
Now, it is almost one year later. The girls are dressed in their holiday best with matching shoes. Gracie helps little Jade learn to take her first steps. The girls take to the stage for a joyous moment at any time, made more special this holiday season. They truly are Christmas miracles.
