Eve is a joyful, adventurous two-year-old “with a smile that lights up every room”
Her parents describe her as a “bright spirit” with “infectious joy” that touches everyone she meets. But behind that radiant smile is a story of immense courage and struggle.
At just nine weeks old, Eve’s life changed forever when she suffered a serious brain injury.
“After receiving a serious brain injury at just 9 weeks old, Eve was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy, making it hard for her to move and play like other kids,” her parents explained, “but that doesn’t stop her from trying!”
Though she can’t yet walk independently, Eve’s determination never wavers.
Her parents have shared how Eve talks excitedly every day about the things she’ll do when she can “step step step by my own self.”
In Eve’s own words, she plans to “run away to the playground,” “play football” with her big cousins, “be an Olympics jumping girl,” and “be like Annie the circus acrobat.”
Eve’s journey has been incredibly challenging. Born healthy, her future was bright until, as her parents recall, “At 9 weeks old, her life was changed forever when she developed a life-threatening viral infection.”
The infection spread rapidly and eventually reached her brain, causing devastating damage. “Eve’s parents could only watch and wait while little Eve bravely fought through her illness,” they say, describing the heart-wrenching weeks on life support and the extensive treatments she endured.
“After many tense weeks on life support in the paediatric intensive care unit, surgery to place a tube to deliver medication directly into her heart, and a gruelling 28 days and nights of round the clock antibiotics and antivirals – her condition eventually improved.”
While her family breathed a sigh of relief when Eve was finally discharged from the hospital, they knew the battle was far from over.
“The day Eve was discharged from hospital was an end to a nightmare, and the beginning of a new challenge,” they explain.
Now, two years later, Eve has made remarkable progress but still cannot take her first steps.
“Each morning she wakes excited to push herself a little further than the day before,” her parents share.
“She has already made progress with the help of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and even her equine therapy horse, Harry.
“She works tirelessly and can now sit independently and stand with assistance,” they said, though her mobility is still limited due to Cerebral Palsy.
But there is hope thanks to stem cell treatment, which offers the possibility of regenerating the injured parts of Eve’s brain, and her parents believe it could be life-changing.
“Stem cell treatment followed by intensive therapy can change her life forever,” they said.
Eve is due to travel to the Netherlands for stem cell treatment, followed by two months of intensive rehabilitation in Dublin and London.
However, her family needs support to make this happen.
“We need your help to get her there!” her parents said, reaching out to those who may be able to contribute to Eve’s journey toward taking her first steps.
With the right support, Eve’s dreams of running to the playground and playing football with her cousins can become a reality.
If you would like to donate, visit; https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EvesDream