Treasa's Spinal Surgery

My 17 year old sister Treasa has a condition called Scoliosis, which means that she has an increasingly curved spine. This also affects the positioning of her organs and bones. At present one of her lungs is not functioning at full capacity, and there is pressure on other organs too.

Over the past 3 years since her diagnosis, Treasa's spinal curve has increased at a rapid pace; periodical x-rays have seen her curve worsen from an initial 49 degrees at diagnosis, to 60 degrees at her most recent x-ray scan in November. Her spinal curvature is now classed as severe, and is quite debilitating. It will only increase from here.

A new medical implant called Apifix designed for patients aged 10-18 could change Treasa's life. It is a kind of internal brace which corrects the curve and does not compromise flexibility like Spinal Fusion does. The operation itself is minimally invasive and quick, and involves realigning the spine with just two screws and a rachet mechanism. This surgery is not yet available in Ireland; Treasa would have to travel to a hospital in Spain to undergo this operation as soon as possible.

Time is of the essence here; Treasa's curve is at the upper limit at 60 degrees, and is quickly increasing, which will soon correspondingly disqualify her as a candidate for this revolutionary treatment. Her age is also important -- the younger patients' spines are easier to manipulate and so this surgery is geared towards adolescents up to 18 years old.

We are from a family of nine kids, and as Treasa's older sister I want nothing more than to see her as a healthy, happy teenager again, free from this aggressive spinal curvature which negatively impacts her daily life, causing many physical limitations and chronic pain. This simple surgery could change everything, and give her once more a life full of movement, health, and happiness.

Treasa wants nothing more in this world than this operation right now, and is so excited at the prospect of living a normal, pain-free life, and escaping the increasing restrictions of her condition (her flexibility has deteriorated, and many of her previously enjoyed activities are completely off-limits, such as gymnastics, yoga, running, and swimming.)

Your donation, whatever size, means the world to us, and opens an incredible world of potentially life-changing possibility. Thank you for hearing Treasa's story, and helping us on our journey to reach this goal of €20,000 for Treasa's Apifix surgery.