Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Etta Cartmill, a three-year-old girl, has already faced significant medical challenges, spending much of her early life in hospital due to a rare genetic condition causing kidney failure. Both Etta and her older brother Olly share this uncommon disorder, known as TTC21B, which is so rare it lacks a widely recognized name. In 2023, Olly underwent a kidney transplant, receiving a donated organ from their grandmother, Michelle, when he weighed only 13 kilograms (29 pounds). Etta herself previously had a liver transplant that has greatly improved her quality of life.
The Cartmill family, from Bessbrook in County Armagh, has been deeply involved in managing their children’s complex health needs. Etta, who has been traveling frequently to Belfast for dialysis—sometimes up to five times a week—as well as making trips to Birmingham for specialist treatment, is now preparing for another vital procedure. Her parents, Dionne and Neil, recently discovered that Dionne is a compatible donor for a kidney transplant for Etta, and they are hopeful that the operation will be scheduled soon.
Dionne shared with Stephen Watson on The Nolan Show how the family only found out about the need for Etta’s liver transplant about a year ago. The transplant surgery, which lasted 11 hours in September, was followed by a difficult recovery where Etta’s abdomen couldn’t be fully closed due to swelling, necessitating the use of mesh and ventilation support. Nevertheless, since receiving the new liver, Dionne said, “From when Etta got the liver transplant, she’s absolutely thriving. Her wee personality and everything’s coming through.” She described the immense difference post-transplant, recalling how Etta was previously in constant pain and distress, often inconsolable during dialysis sessions.
Dionne expressed her excitement about being able to donate a kidney to Etta, explaining, “It’s going to be me so I’m absolutely delighted. Waiting on the date. I’m a match and I’m fit and healthy so I’m absolutely delighted. I can’t wait to do it.” She also acknowledged the generosity of others who have helped their family, mentioning that Michelle donated Olly’s kidney and they were fortunate to receive a liver from a donor after a tragic death. Meanwhile, Olly’s life after his transplant has greatly improved, as Dionne remarked, “Since his own kidney transplant, Olly has turned into the wee boy that he always should have been. He’s full of energy, full of craic, full of ideas. He’s doing fantastic.” This upcoming surgery for Etta will mark the third major transplant for the siblings as they continue to battle their rare condition
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.