The village of Drongan has come together in support of a 14-week old baby who is fighting for his life in hospital.
Micah McEwan was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a fetal abnormality which prevents the diaphragm from forming properly, and causes organs to migrate into the chest, hindering lung growth.
As a result, the tot has spent the first three months of his life in an incubator in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Mum Nicole, and dad Ian, of Drongan, are staying at Ronald McDonald House nearby as they are “not comfortable being away from him”.
Nicole, 33, told the Chronicle: “Micah had a hole in his diaphragm and had six organs migrate into his chest.
“When he was born, he only had 25 per cent lung growth.
“He had to be incubated instantly because he wouldn’t have managed to survive on his own.
“He underwent surgery and now we’re letting his lungs grow.
“He got a tracheotomy fitted this week so we’re in a good place with his breathing but there’s a possibility he could stay in hospital until well into next year.”
Nicole continued: “Ronald McDonald House is a fantastic facility and the staff have been brilliant.
“It’s not a situation that you ever wish or plan for but we’ve got to stand strong.
“We’ve got no choice but to get up every day and march on and just do we what we can. I don’t know how we manage but we do.”
To raise awareness of Micah’s condition and support the family, a charity football match and fundraising day was arranged for Sunday, October 10, headed up by Tracy Blackwell and friend Stuart Armstrong.
Bouncy castles, facepainting and raffle prizes entertained a turnout of hundreds of people, including Micah’s sister, Brooke, and an incredible £3,800 was raised for the youngster.
Tracy said: “It was absolutely mobbed, you couldn’t get moving. Ryan McCubbin let us hold it in The Boolers. He also got us a bouncy castle.
“We would like to thank everyone who helped and all the businesses in the area for their help.
“Thanks also to Steph McDonald for the DJ and the “girls” for the facepainting and helping with the raffle on the day. Micah’s big sister was a great help on the day, too.”
Showing her appreciation for the community, Nicole added: “Everything they’ve done and how much the village has pulled together has been absolutely fantastic.
“It helps us be strong for Micah.”
Find out more about CDH here.
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