Community groups in the Ballinderry area of Co Derry are getting behind a ten month-old baby living with a rare spinal condition to raise enough money so he can travel to America to avail of specialised medical treatment.
Little Charlie Ferris was diagnosed with infantile Scoliosis back in February.
If left untreated, the spinal deformity can lead to severe twisting of the spine, respiratory problems and even decreased life expectancy.
Charlie’s anxious parents, Jody and Donna, have vowed to do everything in their power to help their baby boy.
Following hours of research, his mum discovered specialised Scoliosis treatment offered at Shriner’s Hospital, Philadelphia which could potentially avoid invasive surgery.
Medical experts at Shiner’s Hospital believe that early diagnosis and treatment is key for a better outcome.
Following a lengthy application process, Charlie was accepted on to the treatment programme.
On April 3, Jody, Donna and their four children flew to Philadelphia.
Just a few days later, Charlie was fitted with a Mehta cast, which has been specially designed to correct the curve in his spine.
In the months and years ahead, little Charlie and his parents will make that same journey, to get the cast refitted.
His doctors don’t know who long Charlie will need treatment, or if it will rule out surgery in the future, but Jody and Donna are willing to do whatever it takes.
During the family’s time in America, local community groups in the Ballinderry area combined forces to launch a fundraising drive for Charlie’s treatment.
Brian Rocks, who is helping to lead the campaign, described it as ‘local people coming together to help a local family’.
He said: “The local community here in Ballinderry were aware that a local child was living with a rare spinal condition and had travelled to America for treatment.
“A number of local groups offered to do some fundraising to help out the family.
“However, it was suggested that all the groups come together rather that separate groups doing their own individual events.”
In the coming days, the groups will be delivering envelopes into the local community for anyone who would like to make a donation.
They are also planning a ‘Guess of score’ of the Derry v Tyrone game on Sunday, May 22.
Plans are also ongoing for a coffee morning to take place over the summer months.
“All this simply is local people coming together to help a local family,” said Mr Rocks.
Charlie’s parents said they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the group’s efforts.
“When we heard that local groups had come together to fundraise for Charlie’s treatment, we were totally so overwhelmed. Other than our family and friends, not many people knew of Charlie’s condition so to hear that local groups wanted to help, we just could not believe it.
“We cannot thank these groups enough for their kindness. It means so much to us,” said Donna.
Source : Derry Now , 11th May 2016
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