Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
As many of you will know, Talia was born back in March 2008. At the time all seemed well, but after 2 or 3 weeks she was having some difficulty breathing. Long story short, Talia spent the next week in our local hospital while doctors tried to identify what was wrong. We were referred to the Evelina Children's Hospital who wondered if she might have a subglottic hemangioma - essentially a birthmark in her windpipe, blocking her airway. We returned home, as at that time all was still ok and more time was needed to see how things developed. A week later Talia was rushed by ambulance to the Evelina - her situation had dramatically worsened and Talia no longer had the strength to breath; for an hour or so she was kept going with adrenalin and steroids until the theatre was ready to try and secure an airway. Once secured Talia was stable and returned to Intensive Care. The next day she was back in theatre and diagnosed with a subglottic hemangioma. This is a very rare condition - perhaps a dozen babies a year are born with it. But as you can see from the photos, it is something that requires enormous skill and care to deal with.
Talia remained at the Evelina for just over two months. In that time Alev and I received training in how to care for Talia, how to change her tracheostomy tube, managing emergency situations and recovery techniques. Quite simply, if it was not for the incredible expertise at the Evelina I would not have been able to also post the above photos of Talia on holiday this year. Those that know Talia know she is a fit and healthy girl - full of life, fun and love. And all only possible because of the care we received at the Evelina.
So this September 27th I will be running a Half Marathon from London's O2 to raise money for the people whose skill and care allowed Alev, Ryan, James and I to bring our Talia home. I would be enormously grateful if you are able to sponsor me in this event. It is of course impossible to put a price on the difference the Evelina has made to our family, and also the thousands of others they help. But this can hopefully be a start...
Many thanks.
Simon, Alev, Ryan & James.
xxxx
ps: Please take a moment to go through the photos and watch the video to really appreciate how much skill and care Talia has received to be where she is today.
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