Offaly woman with rare condition facing fight to save her jaw

A KINNITTY woman, who lost all her teeth to a rare condition, is now facing a fight to save her jaw.
Abi Finane, from Ballyshane, Kinnitty, was born with a rare genetic condition called Amelogenesis Imperfecta, which left her teeth without enamel and caused constant pain throughout her childhood.
In 2023, after years of failed treatments, she had her last 14 remaining teeth removed and has since relied on dentures. However, the dentures are causing her pain and in a few years her jaw will no longer be able to support them.
A recent CT scan revealed that Abi’s upper jawbone is now only 1.4mm thick, far too fragile for standard implants or grafts. She has been told that without urgent intervention her maxilla bone could collapse, which would be a life-threatening situation. The only option is complex zygomatic implant surgery, which anchors implants into the cheekbone. This procedure is not available in Ireland, so Abi must travel to Germany.
Her mother Sarah told the Midland Tribune that Abi's family has spent tens of thousands on care and has gathered together some money to go towards the cost of the surgery, but is fundraising to try and close the remaining gap. A GoFundMe page has been set up. Sarah said the positive response from the public has been overwhelming. So far, nearly €5,300 has been raised towards the €45,000 target.
Sarah said Abi is 23 years of age and is able to lead a reasonably active life in spite of her difficult condition. “For three years she worked in a restaurant in Dublin, eventually becoming Floor Manager. She has a big interest in the culinary world. She also worked as a Baker in Arboretum, Kilquade, Wicklow. She's currently studying Level 6 Business & Finance in Birr LOETB.”
Sarah said Abi is “always in pain” and she finds the dentures very painful. “The only solution for the life-threatening situation facing Abi is a highly complex procedure which is not available through the HSE in Ireland, so we must travel to Germany.”
She underlined the fact that the surgery will not be a cosmetic procedure, but will be absolutely essential for Abi’s health, comfort, and future. “The overall cost of surgery is far beyond what most families could ever afford, and although we have managed to cover the majority of the costs ourselves and through the generosity of family, the GoFundMe fundraiser is necessary to bridge the remaining shortfall.”
The GoFundMe page is https://www.gofundme.com/f/ abi-keep-smiling. “Any donation, no matter the size,” said Sarah, “will bring us closer to giving Abi the chance to live without pain. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing our story to help us reach others who might be able to.”

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