Vera to resume her walk to Dublin as cannabis treatment refused for Ava

VERA Twomey, the mother of six-year-old Ava from Aghabulloge near Coachford, is to re-commence her walk to the Dail today, for the right to access mecidinal cannabis treatment for Ava, who suffers from Dravets syndrome.

This latest move follows the refusal of the HSE last week to approve her application to secure the drug for Ava.

Vera had earlier suspended her plan to walk to Dublin when Health Minister Simon Harris rang her while she was walking and promised to do all he could to help.

But this latest refusal by the HSE has prompted Vera to start her walk from Cork again.

She posted on Facebook today that she will set off from Mallow at noon and is asking members of the public to come out and support her.

Ava has endured multiple epileptic fits and seizures on a daily basis since she was four months old and her mother Vera believes the cannabis product will ease Ava’s pain. 

Charlotte’s Web cannabis oil, which is manufactured in Colorado, offers some hope for her daughter.

‘We were able to buy, legally, a bottle of Charlotte’s Web cannabis oil from a shop in Dublin. After consulting with a doctor, we discovered the correct dosage for Ava, and we have found that there is a clear change in her condition,’ Vera continued. 

 While Vera admits that Charlotte’s Web is not in any way a cure for Ava, she has noticed a huge difference in her daughter’s condition. 

 ‘Since we started using the oil, Ava is more active, alert and interactive and most importantly of all, she is smiling more,’ Vera said. 

Posting on her Facebook page today, Vera said: ‘We will walk for Ava for the right to access medicinal cannabis, begining at the Roundabout Tavern at twelve o’clock. Please support Ava now contact your TD and [email protected]. If you can walk a mile with us for Ava or for all the others in need, please do, we would value your support. Something has to be done. Xxx V.’

On February 23^rd, a very dejected Vera posted the sad message: ‘Ava’s application cannot move forward due to lack of paed neurologist. Put simply, Application Rejected.’