Energetic Tj loves his life and is a real hard worker
By Mary Dennehy
FIVE years ago last week, a Tallaght toddler called Tj Cunningham underwent life-saving surgery in the States – thanks to the community’s efforts in raising €160,000.
At the time TJ was suffering from 100 hard-to-control seizures each day and was unable to walk, talk, sit on his own, balance, respond to his name or understand basic commands – with his condition regressing daily.
Tj with his dad Tony, mam Leah and baby brother Reuben at Christmas
However, this is Tj today. He’s an energetic, fun-loving six-year-old boy, who, according to his mam, never stops talking.
Turning seven this May, Tj is a senior infant in St Martin’s Primary School in Aylesbury, where, with the support of a Special Needs Assistant, he is thriving.
His mam Leah told The Echo: “We never thought we’d get here, but thanks to the amazing support of the Tallaght community Tj is absolutely flying and is a typical kid.
“Five years post op, Tj can walk, run, play, talk…he’s always on the go and is great fun and has a brilliant sense of humour.
“He’s doing great in school and has all of his little pals, who he hugs going in and out of school and he never stops talking!
Miracles do happen
“He is proof that there is always hope and that miracles do happen.”
Leah added: “He didn’t start speaking until he was four, he was using sign language before hand.
“However, the money raised by the community also covered intensive speech therapy and now, he never stops talking.”
Living in Ellensborough with his mam Leah, dad Tony and little brother Reuben, Tj was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of epilepsy called Infantile Spasms when he was just 13 months.
After a lot of research by his parents and a relentless fight for a better life for their son, Tj was accepted for brain surgery by the Children’s Hospital in Detroit, Michigan – but it came with a hefty price tag of €160,000.
However, the community of Tallaght rallied behind the family and less than a year later, Tj was on a plane to Detroit.
“After the operation, Tj went from having more than 100 seizures a day to just six in the past five years”, Leah said.
Tj Cunningham after his operation
“We know that without the community’s support, Tj would not be in school, he wouldn’t have his little pals or any quality of life.
“He would require 24/7 care for the rest of his life and wouldn’t be able to enjoy the great relationship he has with his little brother Reuben, who he adores.”
According to Leah, Tj still has his challenges, and was left half blind and with a weakness down the left hand side of his body after the operation.
He also had a seizure in September, which set him back a little.
However, he goes to therapy four times a week and is getting stronger all the time.
“Thanks to the community’s support, Tj is now able to be himself,” Leah said.
Hard worker in school
“He loves his life and gives everything a go and is a really hard worker in school.”
She added: “I remember at the time, myself and Tony were getting nowhere with the Irish health system and I just wanted to get out of Ireland.
“However, we quickly realised it was the best place to be when our community rallied behind us and raised €160K for our son in less than a year.
“We are forever grateful for everybody’s support and we have the life we have today thanks to our family, friends, the incredible medical team in Detroit, Tj’s school and the amazing community of Tallaght.”
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