Thanks to the amazing support of our family, friends and the whole community in 2024 we were able to reach our fundraising target. In August 2024 Mara travelled to Panama to receive her second round of stem cell treatment. It’s not an understatement to say the changes we have seen have been life changing for Mara. Her focus, physical strength and in particular her feeding and drinking have seen huge improvements. For Mara even small changes that may seem minor to most people have a dramatic impact upon Mara’s life.

Mara has been diagnosed with a very rare neurological gene mutation GABBR2. This devastating condition specifically affects her speech, communication and use of hands. Furthermore, she suffers from a wide range of global development delays and autistic behaviours.

She is a very determined little girl and gets frustrated that her body doesn't respond how she would like. She is happy and a real joy.

In an attempt to improve some of her autistic traits we decided to try Stem Cell treatment in Panama at the Stem Cell Institute. This is the leading clinic for treating and researching stem cells, as a way of improving the lives of children with autism.

We have spoken to many people at the clinic but also other parents who believe the stem cell treatment can be performed many times. The gains are permanent and life changing. We owe it to Mara to try everything in our power to improve her life. The issue being we have to travel to Panama for the treatment and the treatment itself isn't cheap. The money we are raising is only for Mara's costs and expenses.

If you would like to be more involved in our fundraising effort please get in touch. We are planning some events in 2025 and will need help. In addition, if you would like to organise an event, or if you would like to fundraise for Mara in a sponsored activity, we would love to hear from you.

You can follow Mara on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092461096977

Thank you for all your support