Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Ellie Madden and her parents after the toddler spent five months in Boston. Conor Healy Photography

Toddler returns to Ireland after life-saving treatment in Boston

Ellie Madden spent five months in Boston receiving life-saving treatment for an oesophageal condition.

A YOUNG IRISH GIRL who travelled to Boston for life-saving treatment of a rare medical condition which left her unable to eat, speak or swallow has returned to Ireland.

Eighteen-month-old Ellie Madden spent 38 days in an induced coma while growing a new oesophagus and underwent several significant operations in the US.

Her family says Ellie, who has a twin sister,  had been attached to breathing and feeding machines from birth due to the condition (tracheo-oesophageal fistula with long gap oesophageal atresia). The oesophageal gap meant that the child could not feed and could not make any sounds.

The family travelled to Boston five months ago so that Ellie could undergo treatment at the Boston Children’s Hospital.

Last night, the government jet brought Ellie home to Ireland and she is recovering at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. Her family says that she has “passed the first big hurdle of a long journey” and they are pleased with her progress.

“For the first time in her life she can breathe on her own, swallow on her own, we can hear her – she can use her voice, which is amazing,” her mother Esti Madden told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.

Madden said that her daughter was tired after the journey but that the family is glad to be back in Ireland:

She needs time to recover and she needs to go home and have some peaceful time with her family. Obviously with flying and all the stress of the ambulance, you can see that she’s really tired and needs some time. But she’s done well and we’re here and that’s the most important part.

She said that the 38-day coma “was the longest time ever” and that the family missed her terribly over Christmas, but “if you see her now, she’s like any other child”.

Ellie’s medical costs are being paid for by the VHI and HSE, but the family has been fundraising to cover the cost of the Boston trip and their daughter’s aftercare in Ireland. Ellie’s parents are posting blog updates on her progress online.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam Byrne
    Favourite Liam Byrne
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 10:36 AM

    I hate to say it- but god bless america

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Carroll
    Favourite Declan Carroll
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 10:59 AM

    Why say u hate to say God bless America ? Only for the all American know how & can do attitude to life, this child would not have a chance. That’s very peevish. This is a very good news story & I wish the child all the best.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Caroline Reid
    Favourite Caroline Reid
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 11:01 AM

    Welcome home Ellie x

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Susie Chester
    Favourite Susie Chester
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 11:04 AM

    I love to hear these Good News stories. Congratulations to all concerned , continued health to Ellie and her family x x

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bernadette Dunne
    Favourite Bernadette Dunne
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 12:06 PM

    Congratulations to all concerned in bringing this Ellie this far … Best wishes to Ellie her Parents and her twin and siblings and extended family continued health and happiness to all

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Olivia Dolan
    Favourite Olivia Dolan
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 12:16 PM

    Congratulations to everyone, hopefully little Ellie recovers well, continued health and happiness to everyone

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emsy wemsy
    Favourite Emsy wemsy
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 1:33 PM

    Was I imagining it or is there another kid with this same condition who just flew over for the same treatment?
    This is great news though,always lovely to hear a little child’s life has been saved. Wish all the best to the whole family

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lj Traynor
    Favourite Lj Traynor
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 1:46 PM

    yes there was and he is also a twin. hos story’s very similar to ellies. hopefully his will be as successful x

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joan Featherstone
    Favourite Joan Featherstone
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 9:04 PM

    Yeah his name is Sergio can’t remember second name, strange that two twins so close in age have what must be a very rare condition. Best of luck to them both and their families.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alicia Yeates
    Favourite Alicia Yeates
    Report
    Apr 25th 2012, 1:27 PM

    That’s great news. however what about poor unfortunate Kasey Kelly , who has a rare brain tumour and the state are not willing to help. her family and friends have to fundraise every penny for her treatment. her Dr in our ladys wouldn’t sign the e112 approving funding for her treatment. visit http://WWW.kare4kasey.com for more information.

    7
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds