Family raise funds for Dayna to get life-changing Innowalk
A family have started a fundraising campaign to help their daughter, who receives care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each) in Milton.
Dayna Fitzgerald is a 16-year-old girl living with a range of complex disabilities, including mitochondrial complex 3 disorder.
She also suffers from elements that match Bjornstad syndrome, as diagnosed by Prof Geoff Woods at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Dayna’s hair doesn’t grow and she is non-verbal and unable to walk. She is fully dependent on her father Darren Fitzgerald and her mother, Diane Rogers, for every aspect of daily life.
Despite these major challenges, Dayna is constantly smiling, and her father says she brings immense joy to everyone with whom she interacts.
Recently, Dayna had the opportunity to trial a groundbreaking piece of equipment called the Innowalk – a motorised device that allows individuals who cannot walk to experience the physical benefits of movement.
Darren says: “The results of this trial have been truly life-changing for Dayna, improving her health and overall quality of life.”
Some of the key benefits include sensory stimulation, better sleep patterns and improved bowel health and alleviation of her reflux symptoms.
Unfortunately, this specialised equipment is not funded by NHS healthcare, and the family, from Brandon in Suffolk, are working to raise the necessary funds to provide Dayna with her own Innowalk.
The target is £28,447 and £1,200 has been raised so far.
Darren adds: “My daughter’s story not only highlights the daily struggles faced by children with severe disabilities but also shines a light on the importance of access to assistive technology for improving quality of life.”
He also reveals that comedian Russell Kane has made a donation and posted the GoFundMe link on his Instagram page. The Essex comic has also offered Darren two meet-and-greet tickets to auction.
You can contribute to Dayna’s GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/improve-daynas-quality-of-life-fund-an-innowalk.
