Our Story
TOFS helps those born unable to swallow due to the rare conditions, Oesophageal Atresia and/or Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula. Surgery is needed usually within days but is a fix not a cure, often leaving a legacy of swallowing, stomach and breathing problems, sometimes for life.
TOFS supports with information, experience and guidance through the everyday challenges faced by those affected from birth onwards, empowering families and patients to seek the best care for themselves and their loved ones.
“Just wanted to say how nice it is to receive an email about the crisis that actually offers practical solutions to problems, like the opportunity to phone different people for advice or support. You are a brilliant charity and we feel (and have felt since our son was born) so grateful to have you.”
E-mail from a member of TOFS
About Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF) and Oesophageal Atresia (OA)
Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF) and Oesophageal Atresia (OA) are rare congenital conditions of the oesophagus (food pipe) and/or trachea (airway) that affect one in every 3,500 babies. Babies born with OA/TOF need to have intensive neo-natal care prior to corrective surgery, normally within days of birth.
Some children have to undergo additional surgical interventions later on in their lives. Whilst many children born with OA/TOF will experience only a few problems, others may have difficulties with swallowing and digesting food, Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux (where the acidic stomach contents pass back into the lower oesophagus) and respiratory problems. The effects of surgery and associated health problems may add a great deal to the usual challenges of parenthood. Though the troubles caused by being born with OA/TOF generally ease as a child grows up, a notable minority of those born with OA/TOF continue having real problems into and throughout their adult life. These people need our support, too!
THE DIFFERENCE you could make
We are a long-established registered charity and rely heavily on the generosity of people and their donations to help as many individuals and families as possible. We have minimal financial support from any other organisations and every £1 could help make a difference to those who need our help
£26 would cover the cost of our printed “Chew” magazine being mailed out to one member household for a year.
£52 helps our work engaging with healthcare professionals, endorsing and even funding some research, and encouraging/helping them improve care for people born with OA.