Three days ago the Cartmill family from Bessbrook received a life-changing phone call… a potential liver transplant had been found for their two-year-old daughter Etta, who suffers from a rare genetic condition.
The past number of years have been difficult for the Cartmills. Etta and and her four-year-old brother Olly, were both diagnosed with the condition which causes kidney failure and liver disease.
The condition is so uncommon that it does not have a name and is known only as TTC21B.
According to The Belfast Telegraph, in December 2023, Olly became Northern Ireland’s smallest ever transplant recipient – weighing only 13kg – after his grandmother donated one of her kidneys to him.
While Olly’s health has improved, Etta has regularly required dialysis treatment in Belfast.
It is understood that Etta still requires a kidney transplant, but it is hoped that the liver transplant will improve her health.
On receiving the news that a donor had been found, the Cartmills immediately flew to Birmingham where Etta underwent surgery.
They will have to remain there for up to eight weeks as Etta recovers from her treatment.
Amanda Bradshaw – a family friend – has now set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with the cost of travel and expenses while in Birmingham.
The target has been set at £6,000 with the total already reaching over £4,200 at the time of writing.
Donations towards the family’s expenses while Etta undergoes her treatment can be made here.
