A mother from Swansea is facing a heartbreaking battle against time after her four-year-old son received a devastating diagnosis of a rare condition often referred to as childhood dementia.
A Mother's Instinct Proved Right
Tammy McDaid, 33, spent 18 months pushing for answers after feeling her son Tate's initial autism diagnosis did not explain everything. Her persistence led to the shattering confirmation that her "beautiful little boy" has Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A, a rare and terminal genetic disorder.
This condition causes a progressive loss of skills, meaning Tate is expected to lose the ability to walk, eat, and eventually move on his own. Tragically, Tammy shared that Tate has never spoken a word, and she now knows she will never hear his voice.
The Race for Treatment and Making Memories
With the condition not expected to allow Tate to survive to adulthood, Tammy is now exploring treatment options not available on the NHS. She is working with the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation to find potential trials or therapies, which could be accessed abroad.
"These potential trials or therapies could give him more time being mobile and eating food," Tammy said. "If there's any chance to help him, I have to take it. I'm just a desperate mum trying to give her child a fighting chance."
Facing an uncertain future, Tammy has set up a GoFundMe page. If treatment isn't possible, the funds will be used to create as many special memories as possible while Tate can still enjoy climbing, running, and his adventures.
"Trips, experiences, and the 'simple' moments we can treasure and appreciate before the disease progresses," she added. The fundraiser has already gathered over £5,000 towards its £11,000 target.
