Fundraising has been ramped up for a special baby girl with spina bifida, Tina Joan (T.J.) Needham.
TJ is the daughter of Claire Mc Daid from Drumkeen and Claire’s partner Jay Needham. The young family lives in Dublin. TJ was born with severe spina bifida meningocele and has had many challenges in her first year of life.
Her parents have been searching for specialist physiotherapy options to get as much help as possible for their ‘little miracle baby’.
A fundraiser was launched in September to cover specialist physiotherapy for their daughter. The family plans to travel to the Pető Institute, Budapest in summer 2022 for intensive treatment in the hope that one day she may be able to walk.
There has been added urgency to the fundraiser after TJ took a turn for the worst last week. She underwent major brain surgery in Temple Street Children’s Hospital and her parents are praying for her to be better soon.
The family is also being kindly supported by local fundraisers, including a Last Man Standing draw by Drumkeen United Football Club (click here for details).
Claire, who is a Chef in a Dublin cafe, has also received immense support from her work colleagues. They set up a GoFundMe page to help raise €40,000 towards T.J.’s treatment. They have also agreed to donate all tips to T.J.’s fund.
Visit the fundraiser at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-t-j/
Anyone affected by Spina Bifida can find more information and support at: www.sbhi.ie