The mother of a Dagenham baby with a rare condition has launched a crowdfunding campaign to giver her daughter the “best Christmas present ever” — specialist treatment not provided on the NHS.
Elizabeth John’s daughter Kaecee, who is 13 weeks old, has flat head syndrome.
Because the condition is deemed to be cosmetic by the NHS and does not effect Kaecee’s development they will not fund her treatment, forcing her mum to go private and raise the funds herself.
Whilst Elizabeth is contributing towards the overall cost, the treatment is expensive, which means she has to seek donations. She hopes to raise £2,000.
Elizabeth has asked people to “reach out into their hearts” and think how they would feel if it was their child.
There is no donation too small, Elizabeth adds, and she would be extremely grateful for any contributions.
Flat head syndrome is when a baby’s skull is so weak that it becomes misshapen after spending time lying on their back due to the pressure on their malleable, soft bones.
In Kaecee’s case skull fragments have been forced down the back of her neck, making the back of the head very flat. There is also a piece jutting out of her neck.
Elizabeth fears her neck muscles will not be able to develop properly and Kaecee’s mobility will be effected. She is also getting her physiotherapy.
The condition can be treated with a specially fitted helmet which moulds the skull back into a more regular shape.
The treatment only takes a few months to complete.
“I know this is the hardest time of the year and everyone is in a financial hardship but if everyone out of thousands could donate £1 I could make it for my Kaecee,” Elizabeth wrote on her JustGiving page.
So far she has raised £151, mainly from family and friends. She is now reaching out to others for help.
“I know it is not much I have donated but I hope it is a start and you raise the funds you need for your baby girl. Love to you all,” wrote one donor.
To donate towards Kaecee’s treatment head to Elizabeth’s JustGiving page at http://bit.ly/2ze9L3o.
So far Elizabeth has raised £151, mainly from family and friends.
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