'Run for Hope' Saturday

Jessica Spinner’s baby girl is learning to crawl.

That’s a big milestone for every parent, of course, but it’s arguably more significant for this mom.

Mattingly Hope Spinner, who turned 2 earlier this month, was born nine weeks premature and some 15 weeks after her mother’s water broke. The youngster has cerebral palsy and a brain injury called Periventricular leukomalacia. According to www.tbo.com, Mattie was given a 12 percent chance of survival at birth.

“I was in tears,” Spinner said of the crawling milestone.

While Mattingly is on the move, so, too, will be her family and supporters on Saturday, April 27. The Run for Hope 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk in Lutz's Lake Park will raise money to pay for the Tampa toddler's treatment and therapy.

It is too late to sign up online but participants can still show up on race day and take part. Entrance for the 5K is $30, $10 for the 1-mile fun run/walk.

“Every penny goes straight to Mattie’s therapy,” Spinner said.

Mattie’s treatment includes the Anat Baniel Method, an alternative therapy that Spinner says is successful but not covered by insurance. Here’s how Spinner described the method to Patch.com in February:

“ABM helps provide the optimum environment for the brain to notice, accept and integrate new information. This in turn, allows the brain to create more efficient movement, and allows child to feel more in-tune with and comfortable in their body,” she said.

Mattie has her challenges, but her demeanor is inspiring, the way mom tells it.

"She's happy," she said. "Her smile will melt your heart."

The Run for Hope event starts at 7 a.m. April 27 at  17302 Dale Mabry Highway North in Lutz. For more information, visit the Hope for Mattie website.

***

Sign up for the Lutz Patch email newsletter to get our top headlines delivered straight to your inbox so you won't miss a thing!