Community Rallies to Support Young Girl’s Life-Saving Surgery

A heartfelt plea for help has been issued by Leanne Hawthorne, a devoted mother whose daughter, Jazmine, urgently needs life-saving surgery. The local community is being called upon to support this brave young girl as she battles multiple health challenges.

Jazmine, who is just 9 years old and will turn 10 in April, weighs only 3 stone. She faces numerous hurdles in her daily life, including Autism, non-verbal communication, and learning difficulties. In addition to these challenges, Jazmine is currently being treated for Dystonia, a movement disorder that causes muscle contractions. Recently, the family received the devastating news that Jazmine has been diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a condition akin to anorexia that is not yet recognized in Northern Ireland.

The severity of Jazmine’s condition means she urgently requires surgery to have a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) feeding tube fitted into her stomach. This procedure is vital to provide her with the necessary nutrition for survival. However, due to the unavailability of this surgery in Northern Ireland and an insurmountable three-year waiting list for an urgent NHS referral, the family is compelled to seek private treatment in London.

Leanne Hawthorne has initiated a fundraising campaign to cover the significant costs associated with the surgery, including travel and accommodation expenses. In her appeal, Leanne expressed the desperation and urgency of their situation, stating, “We know how hard things are at the minute and everyone is struggling, but anything you could kindly donate we would be so grateful.”

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly supportive, as friends, neighbors, and even strangers have rallied to assist the Hawthorne family in their time of need. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings them one step closer to securing the essential medical care Jazmine requires.

As the family navigates this challenging journey, they are buoyed by the generosity and compassion shown by those around them. The collective effort to help Jazmine is a testament to the strength and solidarity of the community.

For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made directly to the fundraiser set up by Leanne Hawthorne at https://gofund.me/dd452fdf. The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported them, underscoring that every bit of help is a lifeline for Jazmine.

The Hawthornes are hopeful that with the community’s continued support, Jazmine will soon receive the surgery she desperately needs, paving the way for a healthier and brighter future.