Colchester baby CC has 'amazing' treatment in Mexico

Celine Lawrence, known as CC, was diagnosed with a very rare genetic condition called Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy in January after being born in December 2023.

Her parents Charlotte Mears, 36, and Charlie Lawrence, 35, have raised thousands of pounds to get her specialist treatment abroad. 

CC travelled to Mexico just weeks after marking her first birthday. 

First plane journey - CC with dad Charlie Lawrence (Image: Charlotte Mears) Flight - CC asleep on the journey (Image: Charlotte Mears) The youngster underwent stem cell treatment at a private facility in Monterrey earlier this year, thanks to thousands of pounds which had been raised.

Charlotte said: “We are so relieved we went and did it, at the time, there was no confirmation if it would be successful or not.

“It has been very successful for Celine, she has been improving massively ever since, she is coming on well.

Treatment - (left to right) - dad Charlie Lawrence, CC Lawrence, and mum Charlotte Mears (Image: Charlotte Mears) “She can now sit up by herself, we thought it was something she would never be able to do.

“She is still mainly tube fed but steals some food off our plates.

“It has been amazing; all the supporting therapies are still absolutely vital.

“But it is really reassuring as there is something out there which can help her, it won’t cure her, but it will help.”

Recent - CC with her toys (Image: Charlotte Mears)The youngster underwent treatment where 40 million stem cells were put into her bloodstream through a cannula.

Ever since then, the couple and her physiotherapists have seen “noticeable strength improvements” and her “cognitive functions have improved."

It’s a treatment the couple hope she can have each year if funds for CC’s ongoing battle are raised.

Charlotte said she and Charlie are “forever grateful” for all funds that have been donated so far.

In February, CC underwent a gastrointestinal surgery where her feeding tube was placed in her stomach as she was having “issues” with the feeding tube that was inserted in her nose.

She is doing well since the procedure. 

Strong - CC playing with a toy after her trip to Mexico (Image: Charlotte Mears) Charlotte said the couple have started receiving messages on the Save CC Instagram page from other parents of children who have been diagnosed with the degenerative disease.

Yet Charlotte is still aware of how CC’s condition could get worse in the future.

She said: “I do try and keep positive every day, we are living for the day, whatever she does, I will always be proud of her.

“At one point we may face more difficulties where it starts to decline but right now, we are so happy to see how well she is doing.

“It is such a relief, but we don’t get too comfortable because that could change.

“We are enjoying every single second and every minute with her, as we don’t know what will happen in the future.”

To find out more about Save CC, visit instagram.com/save__cc.