When Olivia was 3 she was diagnosed with severe Scoliosis and she underwent her first spinal surgery. She had a rod placed in her back and every 6 months has had to have more surgeries to lenghten the rod.
Olivia's Spinal Surgery
In the coming months, she has another big spinal surgery and will continue to need more. Olivia has had many stays in hospital and is the bravest girl who continues to smile throughout.She uses a bipap machine every night for her sleep apnea. Olivia has an amazing mam, Diane, who spoke with The Big Breakfast Blaa, dad (Tony) and sister Hannah. Diane is a SNA in a special school for 26 years and Tony works in the hospital.
Transforming their Home
They live in a 2 storey house, her parents are carrying her upstairs to her bedroom/bathroom. This is not only physically demanding but poses serious safety risks to both the little girl and her caregivers, as she grows this approach will become increasingly unsustanable and unsafe. To ensure Olivia's safety, dignity and independence she needs a safe and accessible bedroom, fully adapted bathroom and a ceiling track hoist to allow her her to be safely transferred between the key areas of the home, and a suitable living space where she can be included in family life.
These changes aren't just about convenience they are essential.The builders have quoted €120,000 to complete these adaptations, sadly this is far beyond what her family can afford on their own.
To listen back to Diane on The Big Breakfast Blaa and to learn more about the fundraising efforts underway, play to hear in full.
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