Vera Twomey, who has been campaigning relentlessly to have her seven -year -old daughter treated with medicinal cannabis in this country is delighted with today's historic announcement.
Today Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has agreed to allow Ava Barry who suffers from Dravet’s Syndrome, an incurable form of epilepsy only healed by Medicinal Cannabis Oil, to return to her Co Cork home and get the treatment she needs.
She has been living in Holland to avail of the herb that cures her epilepsy.
Despite being told that she would never walk or talk because of her diagnosis, Ava achieved both, and went on to attend Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Ballincollig.
However, she required round-the-clock care and monitoring due to the frequent severe seizures she suffered. There is no cure for Dravet syndrome, but Vera always said seizures could be alleviated from medication called Epidiolex, which contains cannabidiol (CBD), which is derived from cannabis.
Today she said: "We have some really good news. We are coming home, I just want to thank everybody, we will be home for Christmas, she is doing really well."
Last year Vera Twomey passed through Co Kildare during a 260km walk in protest against a decision to restrict her seven-year-old Ava from accessing the vital medication.
A long campaign.
Ava in HollandIf you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.