Maria is 17 years old and is suffering from multiple serious abdominal vascular compressions that severely reduce blood flow to major organs.

This is causing constant pain, dangerous dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting and risks to her heart, kidneys and digestive system.

She urgently needs specialist care to prevent further organ damage and stabilise her health. Treatment focuses on relieving the pressure on the affected veins and arteries, through specialised surgery or stenting to restore normal blood flow.

With proper treatment, blood flow can improve and her body can begin to recover. Compression syndromes, are a rare and complex condition that prevents her from eating or drinking without having severe debilitating symptoms.

Maria is a bright, funny, gentle girl loved by everyone who knows her. Until recently, her life was full, attending school, playing the sports she loved and spending time with her friends. She was a normal, happy teenager.

Since becoming ill, everything has changed. Watching her suffer over the past year and a half has been heartbreaking. She cannot eat or drink without vomiting, nausea, severe pain and other horrific symptoms. Her health has deteriorated dramatically, and her world has become very small. Travelling abroad for treatment is now her only chance of regaining a better quality of life, something no family is ever prepared for and we are asking for your support.

Maria remains determined and positive despite the enormous challenges she faces. She loves school, is a loyal and fun friend and sister and she played Camogie, Gaelic Football, and Tennis, all of which she longs to return to someday.

Since February 2024, Maria has been in and out of hospital, sometimes for weeks at a time, due to medical instability. She has endured many invasive procedures and struggles to tolerate even small amounts of food or drink. Her hydration and nutrition are severely compromised, leaving her with a very low quality of life.

Her symptoms are worsened by Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (a rare genetic connective tissue disorder). Vascular surgeons in the UK, Germany, and Spain all agree that she urgently needs surgery. The longer her blood vessels remain compressed, the more damage is done to her organs.

Because this surgery is unavailable in Ireland, Maria must travel abroad to an expert in vascular decompression, a surgeon with extensive experience treating rare cases like hers. They are confident that the operation will allow Maria to eat and drink normally again, relieve her symptoms and restore her quality of life.

Maria inspires everyone with her resilience and positive attitude. All she wants is to go back to school, return to sport and enjoy time with her friends.

Thank you for your generous support - we are deeply grateful.

Use of funds

All funds donated will be used to help cover the costs for Maria’s surgery and related costs, such as travel and rehabilitation.