Life-Changing Surgery Helps Teen With Brain Abnormality Realize Gymnastic Dream
ACTON (CBS) -- Shannon Dean is a happy, tumbling, flipping, dancing energetic ball of energy but a few years ago putting one foot in front of the other was far from routine.
"I couldn't do any of the things that I can do now," Shannon said at Planet Gymnastics in Acton.
At a young age she was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a developmental abnormality in her brain that required surgery at Boston Children's Hospital.
"A week before surgery, I couldn't eat or drink on my own. It was a few days before my surgery and I couldn't physically move, my mom had to pull me straight out of bed," Shannon said.
Dr. Mark Proctor, chief neurosurgeon Boston Children's Hospital discussed the care Shannon received.
"The main goal of operation is to take the bone off that compressing the brain both in the skull and spine," Dr. Proctor said.
Now at 16, Shannon has never felt better, more confident in her abilities and getting encouragement from her teammates.
"Gymnastics is my home. And these girls are not only teammates but my best friends," Shannon said. Her coach also seen a change in her.
"She's an outstanding team player. She's the first to show up. Helps out with all the meets coaches and team loves her," Planet Gymnastics coach Bill Kane said.
Shannon's mother Kathy Dean could not be more pleased with her daughter's accomplishments.
"As a mom you are your child's advocate. If you feel something is wrong follow your gut until you get an answer. Because if I didn't I don't know what would've happened," Dean said.
Shannon says her dream is to continue in gymnastics both as player and one day coach.
"I know when I age out of this sport I want to coach others and teach kids to go for their dreams," Shannon said.