Join the Fight for Natalie: Local Family Seeks Support for Daughter’s Recovery
- BTW21
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (BTW21) — A heartfelt call for support is echoing across Martinsville and Henry County as 7-year-old Natalie Graham prepares for a critical, life-altering surgery this Thursday, July 10.
Natalie, a spirited and artistic young girl known for her compassion and love for school, has battled relentless pain in her hips and legs for years—pain that doctors initially dismissed as "growing pains" or "knock knees."
But her parents, Charles and Amanda Graham, never stopped fighting for answers.
After years of misdiagnoses, specialists finally confirmed the devastating truth: Natalie suffers from severe bilateral hip dysplasia. Her left hip is entirely dislocated, and her condition has worsened to the point where walking and playing have become daily struggles.
The surgery Natalie needs is complex—so much so that no local surgeons could perform it.
Her journey for hope has taken her family to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), over seven hours from home.
This Thursday, Natalie will undergo an intensive procedure that will begin a long and painful road to recovery, including months without walking, grueling physical therapy, and homebound schooling throughout the next academic year.
How the Community Can Help
With medical bills mounting, time off work, and repeated travel to Pennsylvania, Natalie’s family is under tremendous emotional and financial strain.
Friends and supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the costs of travel, housing, treatment, equipment, and post-operative care.
GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-by-natalie-surgery-recovery
Beyond financial support, the Graham family is asking for:
Shares — Spread the word on social media and in the community to reach those who can help.
Cards & Gifts — Encouragement and small tokens of hope can uplift Natalie and her family.
Local Donation Drive Underway
In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, a community donation effort is being organized to support Natalie’s recovery at home. Needed items include:
Easy meals & snacks — Non-perishables, drinks, and microwaveable items for the family.
Quiet activities — Coloring books, craft kits, puzzles, and journaling supplies for Natalie.
Uplifting cards or small gifts — Notes of encouragement to lift spirits during her healing journey.
A central drop-off location is currently being arranged in Axton, with updates to be posted as soon as it’s confirmed.
If you’re able to help or donate supplies, please comment or message with “I want to help.”
Let’s continue to show what Martinsville and Henry County are made of — love, compassion, and unity in the face of adversity.
For more information and updates, follow the Graham family’s official GoFundMe page or community social media channels.