Glamming up to help TJ

While TJ Cunningham has had specialist keyhole surgery to treat infantile spasm in Detroit, his parents Leah and Tony need to raise another €80,000 to fund further treatment.

Two Ennis-based hair stylists are delighted with the support they have already received for the Hollywood Glam night in aid of TJ Cunningham at Barcode, Ennis on April 13 at 8pm.

Ann Marie Commane, Clarecastle, and Katrina Cullen, whose sister, Anna, was one of Leah’s bridesmaids, were two of the stylists who participated in Salon Sunday on Sunday.

Three hair stylists, three beauticians, two nail technicians and a barber provided their services free of charge for an event, which raised €1,330 for the fund.

“It is heartbreaking to see the battle TJ has endured with his condition. His parents had to give up work to look after him,” Katrina said.

“While TJ is on the road to recovery and is in rehabilitation, he will a lot of further physical therapy, special therapy and other specialist therapies. We are appealing for as much support as possible,” she said.

Having lived with her husband, David in Kilkee for eight years the couple are now living in Ennis but return to West Clare about twice a week.

TJ was born perfectly healthy in May 2011. He had sleep issues and, at 13 months, he had his first seizure. Three weeks later he was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of epilepsy called ‘infantile spasms’. This makes it extremely hard for TJ to try to walk as, at any moment, he could fall forward.

Anyone who wishes to make donations for the Hollywood Glam evening or the TJ fund can contact Katrina at 086 4532099. Contributions can be made to AIB Bank Tallaght bank account 59548156, sort code 933317.