A Drumkeen mother says that guardian angels were looking after her and her daughter when they were involved in a car crash, just months after her little girl’s skull surgery.
Claire McDaid and four-year-old Tina Joan (T.J.) were returning home from a hospital appointment in Dublin when they were involved in a collision in Co. Down.
Their car ended up far off the road and in a ditch, leaving Claire with broken ribs. TJ suffered a small bump which has set her back in her recovery from major surgery.
TJ, who was born with severe spina bifida meningocele, had open skull reshaping surgery in January.
A ‘miracle baby’ from the start, TJ has been attending regular hospital appointments since birth.
She also travels to Budapest regularly for intensive physiotherapy in the hope that she will be able to walk unaided.
The collision has been another setback in TJ’s recovery and plans to go abroad at this crucial time in her development.
Claire and TJ suffered minor injuries in the collision at Duffy’s Cross, Louth
“It’s a really tough time,” said Claire. “Her surgery and now the car crash set her back in being able to travel. We need to get TJ to Budapest for another year and a half, but it will be months until we can.
“But we will be back once we get over a few hurdles.”
Claire said that the guardian angels were looking after her and TJ this week.
“I put my hand out to save TJ, so I took the brunt of it. The hedge saved us, we definitely had somebody looking over us,” Claire said.
The pair were taken to hospital in Drogheda for their injuries.
TJ is recovering from skull surgery
Fundraising continues for TJ’s therapy at the Peto Institute in Budapest.
The ‘TJ’s wish to walk’ campaign has accepted the donation of an amazing campervan to raffle off for as little as €20 per ticket.
The 02-reg camper, fitted with a toilet and kitchen, could be the perfect opportunity for summer adventures. A PS5 and an electric motorbike for kids are also up for grabs in the raffle.
The raffle will take place on 6th July in conjunction with the annual jumble sale for TJ on 5th-6th July at St Patrick’s Hall Drumkeen. Details and updates are available on the Tj wish 2 walk page.
Raffle tickets are available from any family member or committee member as well as the Dry Arch Letterkenny, Browne’s Gala Manorcunnigham, One Stop Letterkenny, Mc Ehinney’s XL Manor, Dolan Chip Van Manor, Oldtown Stores Letterkenny, and Marley’s Shop Cloghan. Tickets are one for €20 or three for €50.
Visit TJ’s main GoFundMe fundraising page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-t-j/
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