Helping Henry put his best foot forward
By Samantha Elley
Henry Boothroyd is just like any other two-year-old, full of energy and beans as he jumps, runs and plays with his toys that are scattered around his Coraki home.
He alternates between giving mum, Hannah, cuddles and telling her he loves her in his toddler way, before asking for a drink or something to eat.
He also shows plenty of affection for his four-month-old sister, Millie.
But Henry Boothroyd has a battle ahead and it is due to a condition called Congenital Femoral Deficiency (CFD).
This is where the thigh bone, or femur, is underdeveloped.
“It was missed at our 20-week ultrasound,” said dad, Stephen.
“The midwife noticed his right leg was 2.5cm shorter than his left when he was born.
“For the first four months we thought he had hip dysplasia, then we got the diagnosis that it was CFD.
“After that we had to find out if there was any treatment available to help Henry.”
The Boothroyds were told about Dr Dror Paley, who is located in the US.
“Since the 1990s he has been doing a ‘super hip’ procedure,” said Stephen.
“Which is a very long and complicated hip reconstruction.”
According to Stephen, a normal hip reconstruction would take six steps and 1-2 hours to complete.
The super hip procedure takes 60 steps and 6-7 hours to complete.
And the cost is not cheap.
“We need to raise $570,000,” said Stephen.
“So far we have raised $138,000.”
Currently, Henry wears an orthosis, that has a raise of 10cm, to keep his legs even.
“He can run and jump like a normal child,” said Hannah.
“But he has a different type of gait.”
It has not been an easy road for the Boothroyds but as a family with a strong faith, they know they are not alone.
“Our faith gives us a lot of peace,” said Hannah.
“Knowing God is in control especially with our biggest anxieties with the surgeries (Henry will have to undergo).
“We know God has a plan for (Henry) and our church has been so supportive.”
The Boothroyds started the CFD Foundation in June 2024 as they realised there was no other charity to support this condition which is so rare.
“It leaves the door open to help other families who may experience this,” said Stephen.
“Last year we had a Golf Day and this year we had a Bunnings barbeque.
“On April 5 we are having a concert.”
This concert for little Henry will be held at the Lismore Workers Club and will feature local sensations Shannon and Blake Noll and Luke Vassella.
Tickets are $80 per person with all proceeds going to fund Henry’s limb reconstructive surgery in late 2025.
The cost includes live music, an auction and a two-course meal and guarantees to be a great night out for a worthy cause.
You can buy your tickets here.
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