The mother of a special Donegal girl has called for fundraising help in her mission to give her little girl the best chance at walking.
Three-year-old TJ McDaid is the daughter of Drumkeen woman Claire McDaid. TJ was born with spina bifida meningocele but has defied the odds to take her first steps during intensive therapy treatments in Budapest.
Claire recently received the concerning news that TJ has scarring on both of her kidneys. The results have added an extra urgency to Claire’s campaign for financial support for TJ’s treatment abroad.
“It’s not a great result to get as it can lead to kidney failure,” said Claire. “The longer TJ is active, we are improving her life expectancy.”
Little fighter TJ will be back in Budapest next week for another round of therapy and is also due to have major skull surgery soon.
Claire says the funding pot has enough for two more trips to the Peto Institute, but ongoing physiotherapy is recommended for 1-2 years.
With each medical trip costing €12,000 on average, fundraising is a priority to ensure TJ’s treatment can continue.
TJ recently celebrated becoming an Honorary Donegal Garda through the Little Blue Heroes programme.
Claire said, “We have seen the results from her and see she is a hard-working little girl. Any ideas to try and fundraise are very welcome.”
Supporters of ‘TJ’s Wish to Walk’ are invited to come onboard with fundraising ideas by contacting Clairemcdaid@hotmail.com
TJ’s GoFundMe page is continuing to accept donations: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-t-j/
