I just want to pause and celebrate the giant steps Dotty has taken both literally and figuratively.
Most five year olds are just getting the hang of riding a bike. Dotty? She’s already explored 16 or 17 countries I lose count, across three continents all while managing life with KCNB1, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and epilepsy. With roughly 200 known cases of KCNB1 worldwide, she’s undoubtedly one of the most well travelled kids facing this condition, and she does it all with a courage and joy that constantly amazes us.
KCNB1 often associated with drug resistant epilepsy, we are lucky Dotty has remained seizure free just on Keppra twice a day. We recognise how rare and special this is and never take it for granted, we know it could all change but for now we are embracing this good fortune and making the most of it!
Dotty has walked the historic walls of Dubrovnik, climbed the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, seen Pompeii, climbed mount Vesuvius, and stood at 5,000 meters high in the Andes, watching condors soar gracefully overhead, been to the Mostar bridge (Bosnia) taken the children’s railway in hungry and seen Macu Picchu to name a just few things that we have done over the last few months, and this is only the beginning.
Each new country shapes Dotty in unexpected ways. Contrary to assumptions that kids with her condition require strict routines and familiarity, Dotty thrives in the face of new experiences. In Peru, she adapted to high altitudes and long bus journeys with astonishing ease. In Germany, she braved snowy, icy trails despite her balance challenges, mastering the art of walking through winter’s landscape. In Hungary, she explored bustling Christmas markets, delighting in vibrant lights and festive sounds rather than being overwhelmed.
With every adventure, Dotty builds resilience, confidence, and a fearless determination to embrace life and the world around her.
And we’re not stopping here. We have just landed inJapan, where she’ll dive into the neon lit streets of Osaka, explore Hiroshima’s profound history, and experience the electric energy of Tokyo. Bullet trains, serene temples, and countless new discoveries that await her including Disney land in Tokyo that I know she will love!
Dotty continues to inspires us daily, not just through the way she travels, but in the way she meets every challenge head on with curiosity and determination. She reminds us all that true growth comes from stepping boldly into the unknown, whether that’s in travel, business, or everyday life.
Today we join a world school hub in Japan, it will be a great opportunity to connect with other travelling parents and learn new skills. For us and the kids.
Until next time!
