BY DIONNE MEEHAN
BRAVE toddler TJ Needham McDaid is recovering well after undergoing bone lengthening surgery in preparation for her trip to Budapest next month.
While TJ is in Budapest she will undergo almost four weeks of intense physiotherapy in the hope she will one day be able to walk.
Born on October 7, 2020, TJ was born with Spina Bifida Myelomeningocele resulting in her being paralysed from the waist down.
When TJ’s mum, Claire McDaid from Drumkeen found out she was pregnant she was told her baby wouldn’t survive very long after birth as they couldn’t see her spine.
Claire was advised to travel to England for an abortion but decided against it and continued on with her pregnancy. Now two years old, TJ is on a mission to walk.
Speaking to the Donegal News, TJ’s mum Claire said she is recovering well following her recent surgery that was carried out at the Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin by her medical team from Budapest.
“TJ got tendons put in the front and the back of both her feet and she got her bones in both her feet lengthened to enable her to stand up. They looked at her casts last week and they are happy enough with them,” she said.
With the casts due to come off on May 25, Claire is planning to fly to Budapest on June 3 ahead of TJ’s intensive physiotherapy which is due to begin June 5.
With bills coming in thick and fast, Claire is appealing to anyone who is interested in organising a fundraising event to get in contact.
“It is going to cost between €12,000 and €13,000 a month for her physio and we got the bill in for her surgery which cost over €20,000. We have €30,000 away of the €70,000 we have raised,” she said.
To raise funds a tractor run is set to take place in Drumkeen on Sunday, June 4. If you wish to register you can do so at Rosie’s Bar at 1:30pm and the registration fee is €20 per tractor.
There will be raffle and refreshments afterwards. A jumble sale will also be held with all proceeds going to TJwish2walk.
The jumble sale will take place in St. Patrick’s Hall in Drumkeen on Saturday, July 1 at 1:30pm. If you wish to donate you can do so via https://gofund.me/ce0630c4 or for more information contact Claire at clairemcdaid@hotmail.com.
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