LITTLE Susanna Petersbursca has one dream and that is to play with her big sister and friends.

But the four-year-old faces a daily battle against cerebral palsy and can get around only with the use of a standing frame or buggy because her legs can’t hold her weight.

However there is a glimmer of hope for her future after Susanna’s parents Monika and Andrzej discovered a groundbreaking operation in the US.

But her family now face a race against time to raise £60,000 to pay for her treatment and aftercare.

Star readers can help Susanna undergo the operation and offer her a chance to fulfil her dream.

Helping the family raise the cash are national charity Cauldwell Children, who support families caring for sick and disabled children. The procedure is called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and involves cutting some of the sensory nerve fibres from the muscles into the spinal cord.

The aim is to make it easier for patients to increase their strength through therapy and exercise. In some cases it allows them to walk independently.

Andrezej (36), from Eccleston described her as a “fantastic little girl and very smart”.

He said: “She’s always singing and reading and spends a lot of time on the computer.”

He explained what stage they are at: “We do have some money and are trying to send out information about Susanna to all the companies in St Helens and some across the UK.

“As yet, no one has answered, but I suppose people have to be sure where the money is going.”

He said it is heartbreaking for him and his wife Monika to see their daughter’s daily battle: “She has had problems since she was a baby and especially since she started walking.

“Now she’s four and can’t understand the difference between her and her sister Maja. Maja goes outside to play and Susanna asks where is she going. It gets more and more upsetting, but my wife is distraught.

“Now it is fantastic news that she has the chance for the operation in America. We know it will be difficult to raise the money, especially these days with so many people out of work.

“They will give us a date for the operation and we will need the money by then. But if we had the money now, we’d go tomorrow.”

Can you help send Susanna to the US and help her lead a normal life? If so contact the Star on 01744 762766.