️Borders Charity Draw – Supporting Thea’s Journey️
This Borders Charity Draw is in support of Thea, a bright and determined little girl from Selkirk who turns 7 this September. We’re raising vital funds for life-changing therapy to support Thea’s development and give her the best possible chance at a more independent life.
Thea was born with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, a condition caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain at birth. She suffered Grade 3 damage – the most severe – and went without oxygen for an unknown period. At birth, Thea made no respiratory effort and had to be intubated before being transferred for cooling therapy, a treatment that lowers the body’s temperature to protect the brain from further injury.
Doctors told her family to prepare for the worst – but Thea had other plans. She fought through, and she’s never stopped fighting. Today, Thea lives with cerebral palsy, drug-resistant epilepsy, and CVI (Cerebral Visual Impairment) – a condition where the brain struggles to interpret what the eyes can see. While we know Thea can see, the full extent of her vision remains uncertain.
Lovingly known as “Thea the Smiling Warrior,” she lights up every room she enters. Her infectious laughter, strong personality, and sheer determination inspire everyone who meets her. If something’s wrong, you’ll know – Thea doesn’t hide her feelings!
Thea can sit, play, and interact, and her family is currently working hard with her on crawling and standing to further improve her mobility.
This is why we’re fundraising for Just4Children – to help Thea access the intensive therapy she needs. After thriving during a previous three-week programme at Smile Therapy in Canada – where she received 4 hours of daily therapy, 5 days a week – her family dreams of returning to continue that progress. The therapy includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialist treatments.
Funds raised will also go towards any additional therapy or specialist equipment Thea may need along her journey.
