An uncle, brother and cousin are completing a 100km challenge across three days to collect funds for an Offaly woman who desperately requires surgery in Germany.
Abi, who was born with the rare genetic condition Amelogenesis Imperfecta, has endured chronic pain, recurring infections, and the loss of all her teeth by age 20.
Her condition has recently deteriorated significantly. Writing on the ‘100km in 3 Days for Abi’s Surgery’ fundraising page, Abi’s uncle Nathan Bennett stated: “A CT scan showed that Abi’s upper jaw bone (maxilla) is now only 1.4 mm thick. This is dangerously thin and at real risk of collapsing within the next two years.
• Irish actor, 28, sends heartbreaking message as he enters ‘last stages’ of his life
• Support pours in for ‘amazing beautiful’ Irish girl with rare brain condition
“If this happens, her face will sink inward, and her breathing will become dangerously restricted, most likely requiring a permanent ventilator just to breathe.”
Abi must now journey to Germany for multiple surgeries exceeding $100,000, with the most critical procedure requiring completion this month. Medical professionals have cautioned that beyond this timeframe, her jawbone will be too fragile to fix, reports the Irish Mirror.
Nathan continued: “We have exhausted all our options with the HSE, and Abi must travel to Germany for several surgeries costing over $100,000, including an urgent hip-to-maxilla bone graft.
The window to act is extremely tight. The surgery must take place before March 2026. After that, the bone will be too thin to repair.
“If the graft is done in time, it will stabilise her maxilla. Three months later, she will need implant posts placed to prevent the grafted bone from shrinking, followed by a final prosthesis.”
To help raise funds for the procedures, Nathan, together with Abi’s brother and cousin, are undertaking a 100km run across three days, with all contributions directed toward the critical treatment.
Nathan explained: “We are asking for your help to make this surgery possible. Any donation, no matter the size, will bring us closer to giving Abi the chance to live without pain. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing our story to help us reach others who might be able to.
“The run will take place over 6th to 8th March. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, supporting, and caring about Abi.”
For additional information or to contribute, visit the “100km in 3 Days for Abi’s Surgery” fundraising page.
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.