Sergio flies to Boston for operation

NORTHSIDE tot Sergio O’Connor flew to Boston on Monday (April 23) to undergo a life-changing operation.

Sergio (1), from Donnycarney, his family and a Health Service Executive (HSE) medical team were flown by Government jet from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel to Boston Children’s Hospital for the vital surgery that, if successful, will allow him to swallow on his own.

Sergio, a twin, was born with a rare condition called tracheo-oesophageal fistula with long gap oesophageal atresia.

This has prevented him from eating, drinking and swallowing because of the five-centimetre gap between his oesophagus and stomach.

Speaking before departing for the US, Sergio’s dad Donal said he and his wife Rosa were apprehensive but happy to have reached this step.

“We have been hoping for a long time for this day when Sergio would be on his way to Boston and it has finally come,

? he stated.

“We are sincerely grateful to everyone who has helped us so far. The support we have received from neighbours, friends and so many sources has been overwhelming.

“We hope that people can continue to support our fundraising efforts as we move now to the next stage of getting Sergio to Boston for his treatment and then getting him well so that we can get him home again.

?

The operation to treat Sergio’s condition involves inducing him into a coma for approximately three to six weeks, while surgeons use a procedure to stimulate the growth of his esophagus. The whole procedure and aftercare could take up to six months.

Donal, who works in rehabilitation at the Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf, will remain in Boston with Sergio for the duration of treatment and aftercare, while his wife Rosa will eventually return to Dublin to look after Sergio’s twin brother, Tadhg.

The complex series of operations needed to help Sergio are not available in Ireland but the HSE is supporting his treatment by the world expert in this condition, Dr John Foker, at the Oesophageal Advanced Centre in Boston.

While the HSE has agreed to co-fund the cost of the surgery, the O’Connor family must raise

?¬100,000 to go towards the cost of the treatment and all expenses for the duration of Sergio’s aftercare.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so by logging on to www.helpsergio.com

Alternatively, donations can be made to Bank of Ireland, account number: 95647682, sort code: 900594.