Veronika Davie, of Honeywood, prepares for her first day at St Cuthbert's Catholic School with proud mum Kylee Davie. Pictures: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES
IT'S the day that was never meant to come. Against all the odds Veronika Davie, 4, will start school this week.
The Honeywood tot has cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and a heart condition -- a rare and challenging combination.
For parents Kylie and Marcus Davie, the milestone will be even sweeter as Veronika is expected to walk into the classroom on her first day at St Cuthbert's Catholic School in Lindisfarne.
It's been their aim for the past two years to help Veronika learn to walk, with the hope that she would able walk into the classroom on her first day without their support.
"At one stage she wasn't expected to survive, so to be heading off to school is just amazing," Mrs Davie said.
Veronika underwent intensive therapy last year to dramatically boost her leg strength and improve her walking skills, which resulted in major improvements.
But in December she suffered two serious seizures, revealing she also has epilepsy.
She was hospitalised for four days and suffered a suspected stroke.
Mrs Davie said it set Veronika's development back 14 months, which means she'll have to use her trusty frame to walk into the classroom.
"It's very exciting," she said.
"It's been four and a half years of hard work, determination and stubbornness to get her here."
Last week an excited Veronika took delight in sifting through the items in her new school bag and trying on her uniform.
Under the uniform she will wear about $4000 worth of body splints to keep her limbs and bones stabilised.
Veronika has already met her school teacher, two teacher aides and an occupational therapist to help with her transition to the classroom.
She's not speaking yet and has a special app on her iPad to help communicate.
"(The app) will be her voice at school," Mrs Davie said.
Veronika will fit her schooling around five weekly medical appointments.
You can follow Veronika's journey on the Veronika Will Walk Facebook page or click here.
hannah.martin@news.com.au
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