Ryuu was born with a rare birth defect called Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula or TOF for short. It meant his oesophagus was not connected to his stomach meaning he had to have surgery to correct it at birth. Ryuu was also born with congenital heart defects and spinal issues too all of which means he is be monitored regularly by various teams of doctors.
Whilst his repair does allow him now to eat orally, he still needs to take extra care to avoid choking or getting a 'stickie' (it's where his food gets stuck near his repair site due to scarring and narrowing of the oesophagus). He is also susceptible to chest infections and pneumonia due to his floppy trachea not being strong enough to shift excess secretions you can get from just a normal cold.
However, Ryuu is a true TOF warrior and takes things in his stride and on the 22nd of August until the 29th of August 2022, Ryuu and his two older sisters are going to take part in a 5k Teddy Toddle to raise important funds for the UK based charity TOFs.org.uk, which is completely funded by donations. Without this charity our family as well as many others would be lost without their support.
Please consider donating, no matter how large or small, every penny counts!
Every day during the event we will update you on their progress.
Thank you!
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