A Dublin godmother is pleading for the public to help get her niece life-changing surgery.
Sarah Connolly has set up a Go Fund Me for her godchild Kate who has a rare condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.
This means that she has very limited mobility and struggles to walk but life-alternating surgery in America could change her world.
The surgery will give Kate independence and allow her to do everyday things like standing up, getting dressed by herself, walking independently, sitting comfortably on a chair and maybe even learn to cycle a bike.
Sarah explained: “Kate was born extremely prematurely, weighing just 1lb 3ozs. She has had many battles to overcome in her short life; the battle to live, to breathe, to see, to eat.
“Sadly, her beautiful twin brother, Sean, lost his battle at just 15 days old.
“Kate endured many surgeries and finally came home after six months in Neonatal Intensive Care.
“She has thrived since then but unfortunately, she has yet another battle to fight.”
Kate has very limited movement in her hips and her knees so she struggles to walk and cannot sit unsupported.
“She spends all day on her feet, standing to eat and to play but she never complains. She falls daily, and when she falls, she falls hard as she cannot bend to save herself,” Sarah continued.
“Doctors have said that Kate would eventually need surgery to bend her hips and knees, but in doing that would likely take away her ability to stand or walk, leaving her wheelchair bound."
Kate’s family wants to send her over to The Paley Institute in Florida for the life-changing treatment.
Sarah added: “Dr David Feldman is a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and a leader in his field. He has helped many children just like Kate to gain more flexibility in their joints through unique surgical procedures and an intensive rehabilitation programme.
“Our hope is for Kate to undergo surgery to stabilise her hip joints, to shorten her femurs and to rotate them into the correct position.
“This surgery will require a minimum six week stay, where Kate will have daily physiotherapy and will learn how to walk. Dr Feldman has said that the sooner Kate gets the treatment, the better the outcome will be for her.
“Kate is an incredibly strong and determined little girl. She has shown this time and again through all that she has been through.
“Her Mammy (my sister) and Daddy spend every waking moment trying to help their little girl and I am asking you to please help them to help her.
“Please donate whatever you can and share this appeal far and wide to help this amazing little girl get the treatment she needs.”
Sarah has currently raised over €98,000 of the €180,000 needed. You can donate to Kate’s fundraiser here.
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