Tilly Monks was born with Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF) and Oesophageal Atresia (OA) are rare congenital conditions of the oesophagus (food pipe) and/or trachea (airway) that affect one in every 3,500 babies. Babies born with TOF/OA need to have intensive neo-natal care prior to corrective surgery, normally within days of birth.

Currently nobody knows what causes TOF or OA.  For the new parent of a TOF child, this is very important to understand - it was not your fault, you couldn't have done anything to prevent it.

Ifit-UK Manchester would like to raise awareness to this condition as well as to the charity which helps support so many children and their families experiencing the challenges of TOFS.

With the benefits of modern medical intervention and the active support of groups like TOFS, the outlook for children with TOF/OA is very positive.

Some children have to undergo additional surgical interventions later on in their lives. Whilst many children born with TOF/OA will experience only a few problems, others may have difficulties with swallowing and digesting food, Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (where the acidic stomach contents pass back into the lower oesophagus) and respiratory problems. The effects of surgery and associated health problems can add a great deal to the usual challenges of parenthood.

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