During that time, Skylie received seven stem cell injections geared toward improving the her eyesight.
Skylie was born missing her septum pellucidum, the part of the brain that separates the right and left hemispheres. Without it, her optic nerves never fully developed, diminishing her eyesight.
In addition, doctors determined that Skylie suffers from septo-optic dysplasia, which affects both her eyesight and the hormones related to the pituitary gland. It affects about 1 in 10,000 births, according to the National Library of Medicine.
To improve their daughter’s eyesight, the Miltons settled on stem cell injections and then looked to the community for help. The response was overwhelming.
The person who stands out the most to Milton’s mind is Dana Lariviere of Billings, who volunteered to head a fundraiser that helped raise more than $11,000.
“We wouldn’t have made the trip without them all,” Milton said.
In China
The family was able to stay in a room at the hospital, putting them close to Skylie during her 28 days abroad.
Most of the injections were given through her arm, though a few had to be given through her head.
“Watching the IV was horrible,” Milton said. “One day they had to poke her seven times, then eventually just had to put it in her head. But she took to it really well.”
To help soothe the child, the doctors would sing her “Old MacDonald” — in Chinese.
When she wasn’t receiving an injection, Skylie was undergoing rehabilitation treatments to help keep her blood flowing and the stem cells stimulated, including acupressure, electrical stimulation, walking training and cup therapy five times a week.
To continue her progress, Milton said they make sure to massage around her eyes and her head.
It’s unknown whether Skylie will need additional stem cell injections through the procedure, which is not available in the United States.
Not alone
During Skylie’s treatment, the Miltons met two other couples going through the same procedure, both from the United States.
When they weren’t waiting in the hospital, the group was able to go into the city and take in the culture.
It was quite a shock, especially seeing strangers’ adoration for Skylie.
“We couldn’t even go to the store, it would take an hour to get down the aisle,” said Rel, the grandmother. “People were taking pictures with her.
“They were very warm and loving toward her; we couldn’t keep her away from everyone.”