A KIND-HEARTED expat has launched a GoFundMe page to cover daily living expenses for a mother whose young daughter is to undergo groundbreaking surgery in England.

Ela Tanik, who is six years old and whose father Servet Tanik, lives in Didim  was born with the very rare CHARGE Syndrome, a disorder that affects many areas of the body. 

CHARGE is an abbreviation for several of the features common in the disorder: coloboma, heart defects, atresia choanae (also known as choanal atresia), growth retardation and ear abnormalities.

Ela’s family’s insurance company will pay for her urgently needed heart operation which will include a new technique ‘cone reconstruction’. The operation will be carried at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in London.

Long-time Didim expat Seán Mac Conmara, a friend of the family,  was moved to launch a GoFundMe page for £5,000 when he was told that the family’s insurance would not extend to covering living and accommodation costs for Ela’s mum, Gaby, in London while her daughter recuperates.

The appeal for funds will provide accommodation for Gaby to be located in central London and enable her to be close to her child.

Sean told Voices: “Unfortunately, the insurance company will not pay for accommodation for Ela’s mother while her only child is in hospital during recovery.

“I have been reliably informed that B+B accommodation close to Great Ormond Street Hospital will cost around £150 per night and Ela’s family have been advised that the total time they should set aside should be four to five weeks.

“Great Ormond Street Hospital has said the operation is intended to be performed in November, so it is important that funds are raised in the next few short weeks.”

 He added: “Ela has been plagued with varying illnesses for most of her young life and her family are distraught that their lack of money is putting her life at risk. I would just like to ask anyone who can help this angel to give their support, no matter how little, all would be much appreciated.”

All monies raised surplus to requirements will be donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity.

The page is at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-ela?