FAMILIES of children who have been diagnosed with tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) are not alone in finding the support they need to live with the condition.
A UK-wide charity, TOFS, is dedicated to providing emotional support to families of children born with TOF, oesophageal atresia (OA) and associated conditions.
TOF and OA are rare congenital conditions of the oesophagus (food pipe) and/or trachea (airway) that affect one in every 3,500 babies.
Babies born with TOF/OA need to have intensive neo-natal care prior to corrective surgery, normally within days of birth.
Some children have to undergo additional surgical interventions later on in their lives. Whilst many children born with TOF/OA will experience only a few problems, others may have difficulties with swallowing and digesting food, acid reflux and respiratory problems.
Groups such as TOFS who can support parents through the early years of their child's life, as well as medical advances mean that the outcome for children with TOF/OA is largely positive.
If you would like to donate money for TOFS to carry on research into the condition, please visit www.tofs.org.uk/donate.aspx.
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