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In January 2007, when she was just 3 years old, my daughter Isla was diagnosed with the rare disorder, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome. OMS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the chils 's brain, resulting in devastating consequences. In the space of a couple of weeks my happy, active toddler deteriorated to the point of being unable to support her own head. Her eyes moved constantly, she suffered awful rage attacks and life changed completely. Isla fought back and re-learned to walk, talk and every other skill OMS had stollen. While children with OMS do not have a favourable outcome with cognitive impairments, anxiety, behavioural difficulties and ongoing ataxia being common longterm consequences, against all the odds Isla is now, at 12 years old a healthy child.

However, Isla's battle is not over and as she battled OMS she developed an anxiety disorder and sensory processing disorder. Due to the trauma of being so ill her anxiety became completely overwhelming. This had devastating consequences on her life. Unfortunately lack of understanding, bullying and discrimination at primary school made life all the more challenging, leaving Isla and her whole family in a very dark place.

Isla has never, ever given up. With the help of some very special people at the Notre Dame Centre Isla has blossomed into the most remarkable young lady. 

The Notre Dame Centre is unique. It supports children at their pace. They have this remarkable ability, faith, determination and patience. They put the child at the centre while supporting the whole family.

I want to thank the Notre Dame Centre for helping me find my child again. They are amazing and so many children deserve the opportunity to access their support.

Thank you for any donation you can give to this marvelous organisation.