Much-loved toddler TJ Needham Mc Daid is recovering well following foot lengthening surgery in Dublin.
The three-year-old, who was born with severe spina bifida meningocele, will soon undergo a month of intensive treatment in Budapest, thanks to the ‘TJ’s wish to walk’ fund.
TJ’s mum Claire McDaid from Drumkeen has been fundraising for two years in the hope that one day her little girl might be able to walk.
TJ has been accepted for treatment at the Peto Institute in Budapest, beginning on 5th June.
Before this, she had to have bone lengthening and tendon surgery in her feet to enable her to stand up. The surgery was carried out at the Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital in Dublin by her medical team from Budapest.
“She was the smallest child to have it done,” Claire said. “She had tendons put in and she has bone lengthening in both her feet.”
“The cast will come off on 25th May and we are booked to fly out 3rd June to meet with the team on 5th June.”
TJ Needham McDaid after her surgery as part of her ‘wish to walk’ journey
TJ has a difficult road ahead, Claire said.
The therapy in Budapest will run from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday for four weeks.
“It’s not going to be easy, this is intense physio and all cost is costing between €12-13 thousand per month,” Claire said.
As the family continues to fundraise, two exciting events are planned in the coming months.
A Tractor Run will take place on 4th June from Drumkeen. There will also be a jumbo sale at St. Patrick’s Hall Drumkeen on 1st July. (Details in the posters below)
For all updates, visit the TJ Wish to Walk fundraising page here.
Visit TJ’s main GoFundMe fundraising page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-treatment-for-t-j/