Since childhood, my daughter Damika has been diagnosed by numerous doctors as being anorexic, sometimes only weighing up to 42kg, during this time her rare condition also went undetected by numerous dentists and did not receive any form of treatment.

As a young adult (23) Damika has for many years due to her condition sought therapy, suffers low self-esteem, pain, tears, heartache, withdrawal from society and even suicidal attempts

In the last 2 years Damika has finally been given a diagnosis of Pierre Robin Syndrome ( I recommend you google) It is a rare congenital birth defect characterized by an underdeveloped jaw, backward displacement of the tongue and upper airway obstruction. This means that Damika has always had trouble eating and swallowing which now explains her continued loss of weight.

Having Pierre Robin Syndrome causes her gums to overgrow in height and then flatten out blocking her windpipe, this explains why she was also diagnosed with asthma, her gums are also releasing bad toxins that cause Damika to be sick very often. Damika has had both her bottom wisdom teeth removed but the growth still continues

With Damika’s jaw so far back this has caused a great big overbite with her bottom teeth cutting into the roof of her mouth and leaving imprints of her bottom teeth.

Damika has now been seen by an Orthodontist who has never seen this bad form of Pierre Robin Syndrome before and is willing to assist with operating on her mouth unfortunately the cost is extremely high, and this will include flights as PATS do not pay for Orthodontic appointments, accommodation, x-rays and consulting fees.

The operation procedure will see Damika’s bottom jaw being broken and extended outwards by metal plates and braces for the top teeth. Damika is aware that breaking her bottom jaw will cause nerve damage and loss of taste, which Damika is willing to compromise as she wants to feel “normal”. This procedure will also open her airways so swallowing, eating and breathing will make life easier for her.

Having these procedures will contribute to Damika’s health and well-being, she will have a greater outlook on life, smile a lot more, have more confidence in herself, be able to find work, can financial start being more independent and she will finally see how beautiful she has always been without continually wearing her facemask or hiding her smile.

I am asking that if you can assist Damika in any way possible that would be greatly appreciated.