Pepper Gull - 5km Fundraiser Run

Pepper has set herself the goal of raising funds for further research of her medical condition Tracheo Oesophageal Fistual / Osephageal Atresia (TOF/OA).

She has chosen to do this by running 5km at the Runaway Noosa event on 27th May 2023.

All funds raised will be donated to Oesophageal Atresia Research Association (OARA)

Ever heard the saying “TOF kid”???

Pepper’s journey as a “TOF kid” began in December 2012. She was born with a rare condition called Tracheo Oesophageal Fistual / Osephageal Atresia (or for short TOF/OA).

I’m sure you’re thinking what do all these words mean! Well…. Oesophageal Atresia (OA) is a congenital obstruction in the oesophagus in newborn babies. Basically, the oesophagus ends in a blind upper pouch and is not connected to the stomach. Most babies born with OA also have Tracheo-Oseophageal Fistula (TOF). TOF is where a section of the baby’s windpipe is abnormally connected by a small tube to the oesophagus.

The only way to repair the TOF/OA is with surgery. Within 24 hours of Pepper being born she was in surgery for 4-5 hours having her oesophagus repaired. Her medical condition is not something that is healed for life from the initial surgery.
Pepper has had numerous procedures to ensure she is able to eat well for the duration of her life. We’re up to about 20 procedures now!!

All TOF kids (especially when sick) have a very distinctive barking cough. It’s a cough that turns heads!

This condition effects 1 in every 3500 children around the world. Research is continuing into the cause of TOF/OA and at this stage the cause is still not known.

Training is currently underway, and we look forward to standing on the start line in a few months’ time!

We thank you for all your support