Help Donna get a Defibrillator!

SMA is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, loss of movement and breathing and swallowing difficulties among other things. As well as SMA Donna also suffers from Spina Bifida, Osteoporosis and Asthma. Due to her health conditions Donna has a severely compromised immune system and even a common cold has the potential to result in a hospital stay. 

The emergence of Covid has brought alot of anxiety for Donna, her family and her carers. Not just because of the dire consequences a Covid infection could cause for Donna but because of the immense pressure the emergency services are under right now. Should Donna require emergency help the risk would be that it may not come quick enough. 

Due to her respiratory issues, Donna has had moments where she has stopped breathing. Thankfully these were momentary and didn't require intervention, but this may not always be the case. Respiratory arrest can lead to cardiac arrest. That is why we would like to fundraise to get Donna a defibrillator for her house. Every second counts in an emergency and having a defibrillator on hand would save precious time in helping to save Donna's life. Donna's health conditions also mean that her anatomy may not be where it should be (Scoliosis has curved her body to one side) and her Osteoporosis means her bones are very brittle and at a high risk of breaking. These things mean that traditional CPR, chest compressions in particular, may not be very effective or could cause very serious injury to her.

Donna requires 24 hour care and along with her wonderful family she has a small team of dedicated carers to look after her. Having a defibrillator on the premises would give peace of mind to not only Donna and her family but to her carers who would do anything for her.

Please help us to provide Donna with that extra chance of saving her life should we ever need to. We will be so so grateful of anything you can spare to help us achieve our goal.