Mum needs lifesaving op ‘ASAP’
AMUM whose skull is crushing her brain has told how her condition is declining rapidly- and ‘requires surgery ASAP’.
Samantha Smith is trying to raise £150,000 for life-saving surgery after a shock diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
So far more than 3,500 have raised almost £70,000 - and numerous fundraising events have also been held across Rochdale.
But in her latest heartbreaking post on the YouCaring crowdfunding page Samantha, of Littleborough, has revealed doctors have told her she urgently requires two complex operations.
Samantha has recently returned from a consultation with a specialist doctor in Barcelona who warned her that even if the operations are a success she faces a lifetime of severely restricted movement.
The 30-year-old also said she is now considering having the surgery in Spain as the strains of travelling to the US for the procedure, as she originally intended, may now be too great.
She wrote: “Shockingly, I am at risk of internal decapitation each time I move my head. The psychological effect of this knowledge is all encompassing.
“Surgery will result in a 100 per cent loss of mobility of my head and upper spine.
“At present I am very scared and grieving for the loss of mobility and restrictive life ahead of me.
“I know the fundraising page still states that I am hoping for surgery in the US; I haven’t dared to edit this yet as I am still in the decision making process over which surgeon will complete my operations.
“Please recognise, that whilst I can’t deny the absolute necessity for these operations in order to guarantee my life, I am still digesting the information and it’s so very hard. I am still trying to comprehend how my life will unfold. I am still struggling to comprehend the disabilities I will have post surgery.
“On a separate note, the amazing success of my fundraising is such a source of hope! We have done incredibly well achieving the grand total so far. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
A number of fundraisers in aid of Samantha are planned in the coming days and weeks.
Today (Saturday) Barry Gumbley, Brian Gumbley, Michael Fletcher and Jonathan Land will undergo a full body wax.
Tomorrow a women’s charity football tournament takes place on Littleborough playing fields from noon - 4pm.
Entry is £2 for spectators.
There will also be a DJ, bouncy castle and facepainting.
On Friday an Abba night is being held at Firgrove Working Men’s Club from 7pm to midnight. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for kids.
And next Saturday (June 10) a charity fair takes place at Littleborough Boxing Club on Church Street from 11am to 4pm.
There will be stalls, a raffle, bouncy castle and games.
To donate visit youcaring.com and search for Samantha Smith.