12-year-old in desperate race to raise funds for Scoliosis surgery

A family are in a desperate race against time to raise funds for their 12-year-old daughter’s scoliosis surgery.

Tilly Ziemniak, a keen dancer, was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvatures of the spine) just 18 months ago.

Her family are now trying to raise £85,000 for spinal surgery in December.

Diagnosed with two curves in her spine, making her spine into an ‘S’ shape, Tilly was advised under consultant care to have bracing, hoping to avoid the last option of surgery.

Sadly, the bracing didn’t prevent the curvature of her spine from worsening, meaning Tilly has now had to stop her much-loved dancing and lessen her sporting activities.

Tilly’s parents, Ally and Aaron Ziemniak, said: “In her 12 years, our beautiful daughter has always been our bundle of energy, our performer who danced in teams and won many personal awards in weekly competitions and championship competitions.

“She has taken part in every school team she ever had the chance at getting on and was awarded Sports Girl of the Year for all her hard work, dedication and performances for her school’s teams.

"We were devastated as we were told that she would need both curves fusing with metal rods which would take away a massive amount of her flexibility and also prevent the spine from growing (and she still has a lot of growing to do).

“After sitting down and talking together, we realised very quickly we needed to find another option despite being told that we probably wouldn’t find an alternative option other than the spinal fusion.”

 

 

On Tuesday 15 October, Tilly went to London to see a different surgeon. Here, she was given three options and more importantly, was told that there was a way she could keep her flexibility, giving her the chance to still be herself and continue to do the things that she enjoys and loves.

Her parents added: “Without surgery, Tilly’s spine will continue to curve quite rapidly as she goes through the remainder of her growing.

“As the spine curves further, Tilly’s organs are at risk of compression from the spine causing strain on organs and leaving her breathless. She can already feel breathlessness at times now, hence she feels she has had to withdraw from her hobbies.”

Tilly and her family now have a very short window in which they can fundraise for her surgery and for it to be successful.

“She doesn’t have much time left to stay in the bracket of being a suitable candidate for this surgery,” they continued.

“In fact, the surgeon would like to perform the surgery in December 2019. To get her there, we are going to need around £85,000.”

Aaron, Tilly’s dad, has worked at local firm Jackson, Jackson & Sons for many years.

One of Aaron's colleagues at Jackson, Jackson said: “It is so heart breaking that such a young active girl can potentially become so debilitated and in so much pain with threat to her organs.

"To have such a severe double curve in such a short timeframe from diagnosis; the situation is now desperate. Weare going to do everything we can to support Aaron and his family. If anyone can donate, fundraise or anything then please do.”

To donate to Tilly to help with her scoliosis surgery, visit:

• www.facebook.com/donate/446907286242319/10157629041329817/