Earlier this year, the story of a three-year-old Maltese boy captured the hearts of the nation as his family raised funds for a life-changing operation in America. Young Julian Camilleri was born prematurely with cerebral palsy, a lifelong disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills.

Speaking from St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri, his mother Tanya Camilleri Haber was more than pleased to report that Julian's operation last week had been a resounding success.

"From a surgical perspective, this operation was the only hope for permanently removing the spasticity in his legs giving Julian the chance to walk," Tanya explained. The spasticity is a result of brain damage which restricts the brain from sending correct signals to the legs/feet. Julian's doctor, Dr T.S. Park, is a world-renowned neurosurgeon at St Louis Children's Hospital, acclaimed for the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy technique that he has used on more than 2,800 patients worldwide.

Tanya explains: "Whilst highly successful, this was major surgery as it involved the spine and rootlets going down from the brain to the legs. The procedure performed by Dr Park and his team permanently removed the spasticity but, as anticipated, Julian is now completely floppy and without strength in his legs.

"He is actually much worse now than before the operation and this is just the start of his journey of intensive therapies. With several months of daily therapy he will hopefully regain the strength required in his leg muscles to start walking on his own - which would be a dream come true for our family, but especially for Julian who so much wants to be like other kids."

Requiring over US$50,000 for the procedure alone, Tanya said, "The procedure is no quick-fix, and fundraising is ongoing in order to pay for the extensive therapeutic programme Julian needs in Malta.

"Dr Park has informed us that Julian requires at least another six years of intensive therapies, five times a week, to reach his full potential."

Such therapies include physiotherapy, hippotherapy, hydrotherapy and occupational therapy.

Tanya is full of praise for the team supporting Julian and the future that lies ahead. "It is hoped that, if Julian's therapies are successful, he should be able to take his first steps within a year."

Julian lives in Attard, with his parents and 10-year-old brother Jamie. The family travelled together to America earlier this month for the life-changing surgery, and is due to return to Malta on 6 August.

Staff at his primary school described Julian as a "sweet-natured and adorable boy who has been missed a lot by both staff and his peers."

This week also sees three Maltese women climbing Mount Elbrus in Russia to raise funds for Julian. Tezara Camilleri, Celine Xuereb and Sofi Capri will be making the arduous five-day climb to the highest peak in Europe.  

You can follow Julian's journey on the Facebook page 'Julian's dream to walk'. Donations are accepted via https://gogetfunding.com/recoverjulian/