Lucy Swain
Lucy's fundraiser for Alder Hey Children's Hospital Craniofacial Department
Fundraising for Alder Hey Children's Charity
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I'm taking part in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge on May 26th for Alder Hey Children's Hospital Craniofacial Department.
When my daughter Emilia was 4 months old, she was referred to Alder Hey where they immediately told us that she had a condition called Saggital Craniosynostosis.
Craniosynostosis is a condition where the sutures in the skull fuse too early causing restricted skull and brain growth, it affects 1 in 2,500 births. If left untreated it can lead to intercranial pressure and disfigurement not only to the skull but to the facial bones, eye sockets and the jawbone leading to problems with hearing, speech, eyesight and development.
A month later, following her diagnosis and making an agonising decision, we returned to the hospital with Emilia, and she had surgery to reshape her skull.
We are keeping everything crossed that the success of this surgery will mean that she won’t require any more operations in the future.
From diagnosis to full recovery, were the hardest few months of our lives. However, Emilia was an absolute warrior, took it all in her stride and we couldn't be prouder.
Through the entire process, as a family, we were taken care of by the incredible staff at Alder Hey. We feel completely indebted to the surgeons, consultants, nurses and support staff, particularly in the Craniofacial team under whose care Emilia will remain until she is 16 years old.
We cannot thank Alder Hey enough and can never repay what this wonderful hospital has done for our family, but I will try my best to raise awareness and vital funds by completing the 12 hour, 24 mile hike over 3 mountains, known as the Yorkshire 3 peaks Challenge.
As it is a rare condition, speading awareness of the Craniosynostosis is incredibly important. Early diagnosis means that families have more options with regards to intervention if this is the route they wish to follow. For further information please visit the headlines charity website.
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