Donate to support Ciara, Mete and Mila

Hi Everyone

My family and I are hoping to raise money for my beautiful niece Mila, sister Ciara and Partner Mete as my sister is unable to return to work. Mila is receiving 24-hour care from my sister and Mete whilst living at Great Ormond Street. We are lucky enough to have support all over the world and I know people are following Mila’s Journey. Any donation will be greatly appreciated.

On March 7th 2023, Mila was born to the most amazing mam and dad. What started as the happiest day of their life also turned to worry and uncertainty. Shortly after birth, Mila was rushed to intensive care and transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital with a swollen tummy, and unable to breathe. They were unsure that Mila would make it but thankfully she did.

Soon after Mila was firstly diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease, (cells in the large bowel do not work) and a stoma had to be formed to stabilise her. Mila was then introduced to milk, whilst trying to feed Mila was breath holding which meant she required a feeding tube.

Breathing issues where becoming a main concern and Mila was then diagnosed with Central Congenital Hypoventilation Syndrome an extremely rare respiratory condition that effects less than 2000 people in the world. This was a huge shock and as parents, wishing for a happy healthy baby the outcome was unknown. To keep Mila alive she has to use a breathing machine when she sleeps which can be difficult to use and monitor.

Following a long four months in hospital Mila was discharged but was soon readmitted where she has also being diagnosed with hyperinsulinism. This is also a rare condition that the body produces too much insulin and Mila is unable to maintain a safe sugar level without intervention, this is extremely dangerous.

On New Years Eve Here in Ireland Mila suffered an intussusception and underwent emergency surgery in Temple Street, unfortunately 30 cm of her small bowel had to be removed and a second stoma formed. The surgery was not successful and Mila had to go back to theatre and undergo further surgery. Due to Mila’s additional medical conditions the hospital felt she needed to be medically airlifted back to Great Ormond Street which since arriving they have not left.

On the 10th of March three days after turning 1 Mila suffered another intussusception, another 5cm of Mila’s Bowel was removed and since has being struggling with ongoing medical issues which requires 24hr care from Ciara and Mete.

Ciara has been faced with the realisation that as of now it is not an option to return to work, this decision has been taken from her, as Mila requires 24-hour care. Herself and Mete live at Great Ormond Street and manage the 24-hour care between them overnight and daily due to her breathing condition and sugars which can take a turn quickly. This is a huge challenge whilst Mete also works full time and the pressure of worrying about the future. I cannot stress the amount of medical care they provide for Mila daily while also enjoying time reading books, playing, bubbles, and Puffin rock.

Not being able to return to work this year has added worry and financial stress for what the future holds whilst living at the hospital and being unable to return to work. This is not what any parent should face whilst they try to care for their child and come to terms with a rare lifelong condition.

I am setting up this GO FUND ME so they can concentrate on giving Mila the 24-hour care she requires and hope to ease living expenses whilst they do so for now. Mila has spent over 220 days in hospital since being born. We are hoping they can return home once it is safe to do so.

I would like to thank all our family, friends, neighbours, hospital staff here at Temple Street and Great Ormond Street, people who have sent warm words and volunteers who have been so kind and generous this past year it really has meant a lot. This has been the hardest year filled with sadness, heartache and worry but Also love and joy for an extra special girl Mila who we cannot imagine life without. I would also like to say Ciara and Mete, We are all amazed at how incredibly strong you both are and how lucky Mila is to have you both.