"The Circle of Life" Organ Donation

Two of the hardest things in life are (1) experiencing the loss of a child (2) explaining to a child that their loved one has sadly died.

For Martin & Denis Goggin, their world suddenly changed in 2006 when their only child, their son Eammon was involved in a road accident in Spiddal, Co Galway and unfortunately died.

The only positive impact that Eamonn's death had was by the donation of his organs that made him become a living legacy.
His organs such as his heart, kidneys and liver gave a second lease of life to four people.

Eamonn's parents were heartbroken and felt incomplete without him.
Eamonn's mother Martina began to express her grief through the power of penmanship, she started to write poems.
Since then her poems have been published in a book which she called "Under Connemara Skies: Towards Light"
The book can be purchased at a cost of €15.00 including post & packaging within Ireland.

However, in order to deal with their grief, Martina and her husband Denis established "The Circle of Life Garden" in Salthill, Galway which is overlooking the sea.
It is a memorial garden which opened on May 6th 2014 in memory of Eamonn and how his donation of organs gave life to others.
The garden is a place of tranquility and a place to sit and express one's feelings of grief and hope.
The cost to date in creating the Circle of Life is €180,000 which was funded mainly via voluntary donations and individual sponsorship.

Martina and Denis also established a charity called "Strange Boat Donor Foundation"
Its a charity for families/friends of organ donors, a place to gain awareness and information, a place to help others.
In July 2007 Strange Boat CD was recorded and named in memory of Eamonn.
It was recorded at Cuan Studios where Eamonn worked as a sound engineer before his death.
To order a copy of the CD please contact info@strangeboat.org

There are 40 donating hospitals and 3 transplant centres in Ireland.
After death a person's heart, lungs, kidney, liver, pancreas, small bowel and tissue can be donated.

Living donation (kidney) can be donated but you need to contact a transplant centre directly.

If you wish to donate blood please contact www.giveblood.ie

If you wish to become an organ donor please contact www.organdonation.ie

Writing this blog was an emotional journey for me since my brother Jonathan was involved in a road accident in 2009 and he too sadly died.
Jonathan was only 18 years old.
So writing this has brought back memories for me.

Always remember dead or alive you can give the gift of life to others.

__________________________________________

Eamonn's mother Martina Goggin kindly agreed to talk to me and her is her story.

The garden was formally opened in May, 2014.  The construction of the garden commenced in September 2013 but Strange Boat Donor Foundation had been preparing, designing and planning the garden for about five years prior to that.

The garden was established to commemorate those who have given the gift of life to others through organ donation.  It acknowledges and remembers organ donors, it is a place of comfort and support for their families and loved ones and is a place of reflection and thanksgiving for organ recipients, and a place of inspiration, healing and hope for all who visit it.

Organ donation is giving the gift of life to another person through donating organs following death.  Living kidney donation is also an important aspect of organ donation where a person (usually a relative) donates a kidney to another, also part of a liver may be donated.  

In Ireland, there is no donor register, but donor cards can be acquired through the Irish Kidney Association, or picked up at chemists.  Even if a person does not have a donor card or, indeed, does have a donor card, the most important thing to do to ensure your wishes re donation following your death is to inform your next of kin of your wishes.  The permission of the family will always be sought before donation/transplantation takes place.

Organ donation is hugely important as it really is a gift of life from one person to another.  There are almost 600 people waiting in Ireland for life saving transplants, and without the generosity of others, many of these people will die.

My husband, Denis, and I set up the charity Strange Boat Donor Foundation following the death of our son, Eamonn, in a car crash in 2006.  As were his wishes we donated his organs and so became very aware of the importance of organ donation not just to recipients but also as a source of comfort to donor families.

http://www.organdonation.ie/about.html

http://www.organdonation.ie/circleoflife.html

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities.
People with this condition have difficulty in the areas of language processing.
People with dyslexia are usually more creative and have a higher level of intelligence.
People with dyslexia can only use the right side of the brain to process language, while non-dyslexics use three areas on the left side of the brain to process language.
Dyslexia ranges from mild to severe symptoms.
Dyslexia is a learning disability that people diagnosed with it have difficulty in the use and/or processing of linguistic and symbolic codes, alphabetic letters representing speech sounds or number and quantities.

Amy Smyth the Information Officer of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland's social media page on Facebook kindly agreed to answer a few questions about Dyslexia.
These questions and answers are very informative.
You can view the page at https://m.facebook.com/Dyslexia-Association-of-Ireland-92772324361/

 

What is dyslexia?
There are many definitions of dyslexia.
A very simple one would be that dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which makes it hard for some people to learn to read, write and spell correctly.

What causes it?
A great deal of research has been done in recent years on the cause of dyslexia and it may be that a great deal more needs to be done before we have a definitive answer. 
We do know that developmental dyslexia is inherited, only slightly more common in males than females and that one is born with it. 
While no conclusive research has been carried out in Ireland to determine how prevalent it is, studies in other countries would suggest that approx.
8-10% of the population are likely to be affected. 
It would seem that people with dyslexia share a cluster of genes, which may, it is believed, account for the variations in the nature and extent of specific learning difficulties.
Experts are not agreed, however, on the underlying causes of dyslexia. 
The prevalent research considers that a phonological deficit is the root cause of dyslexia. 
Evidence from brain imaging suggests that people with dyslexia do not activate the left hemisphere (the language side) in the brain as much when reading as non-dyslexic readers, and that there is less engagement of the areas of the brain which match letters with sounds.
Experts do agree that dyslexia describes differences in the way in which the brain processes information, and while there may be differences in the way in which the brain works, this does not imply any abnormality, disease or defect.

How is it diagnosed?
The first step is a proper assessment to confirm whether your child has a learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), and what type and degree of difficulty the child has. 
Following diagnosis the psychologist who assesses the child will then advise you on what strategies and supports would be most suited given the child’s own current needs.

What does an assessment involve?
An assessment takes approximately three hours and it is done by a psychologist, generally an educational psychologist.  
An educational psychology assessment consists of a series of activities to determine levels of literacy, numeracy and other relevant cognitive skills. 
The aim of the assessment is to to examine the learning strengths and abilities of the person and to find out if any learning difficulty exists. 
Following assessment the psychologist will explain the findings and advise on the best course of action.   
A feedback session is given immediately and a written report is supplied later.  Advice on tuition, and suitable strategies for improving learning is given, and referral can be made to other professionals. 
The assessment does not only test for dyslexia - if there is any kind of underlying learning difficulty it will generally show up with this assessment. 

How do I get my child assessed?
There are generally 3 ways to get an assessment done in Ireland – in school with NEPS, with the Dyslexia Association or with an independent private educational psychologist.

1. School-going children may be tested free by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
School Principals will have information on this.  Schools are only allowed a limited number of assessments each year, so in practice, only students with very severe difficulties are likely to be seen through the school service.

2. The Dyslexia Association of Ireland arranges psycho-educational assessments at our Dublin Office. 
The assessment fee is €490.  
In very exceptional circumstances, a reduced rate may be available for people on social welfare or very low income; please ask if you feel that you may need assistance.
A subsidy of up to €245 towards the assessment fee may be granted in such exceptional circumstances.
DAI is a charity, and we are only able to offer these limited subsidies due to fundraising and donations. 
There is a waiting list for DAI’s assessment service of approximately 2-3 months for those able to pay the full fee and 6-8 months for those requiring funding.
We do occasionally get cancellations so if there is a particular urgency and if people are flexible to come at very short notice, and can pay the full fee, it can sometimes be possible to get an assessment more quickly.
To place your child’s name on our assessment waiting list, please phone us on 01-877 6001 or email to info@dyslexia.ie and we will send you the required forms.
Or, you can download the referral forms fromhttp://www.dyslexia.ie/dai-services/assessment-service/ .

3. There are also many independent private educational psychologists, throughout the country. 
A list of registered psychologists can be obtained from the Psychological Society of Ireland’s website at www.psihq.ie, by emailing the Society at info@psihq.ie or by writing to the Psychological Society of Ireland, Floor 2, Grantham House, Grantham Street, Dublin 2. 
Charges vary between €500 and €800 on average.

NOTE: Tax relief on the assessment fee of a dependent child is allowable via the MED1 Form.
Visit the revenue website www.revenue.ie and see the section on tax relief for health expenses for further information.
You can download a MED1 form from the revenue website or get one from your local tax office.

What help is available?
Technology has been a boon to people with dyslexia.
There is a wide range of technological aids available which can also help people to manage their dyslexia independently.
Dyslexia is a life-long condition.
It does not go away. 
However, with the right supports and aids, an individual can learn to manage their dyslexia and become an independent self-sufficient learner and worker.

What supports does the association offer?
•             An Information Service is run from our national office – post, phone, email, website and in person.
Information on local services is also provided by volunteers through our network of nationwide branches.
•             An Assessment Service is run in our national office.
We have a team of educational psychologists who provide a range of assessment services.
We work with children, young people and adults.
•             Specialist Tuition for Children. DAI has a range of specialist tuition services for children with dyslexia, e.g. one-to-one tuition, weekly Workshop classes.
•             Specialist Tuition for Adults.
DAI has a range of specialist tuition options for adults who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, e.g. one-to-one tuition, the Career Paths full-time course, and occasionally evening courses.
•             Membership of DAI is open to any interested individual.
Members receive a Newsletter twice each year, and some of our services are only available to members. 
Members also qualify for reduced rates at some DAI events. Membership also supports the continued existence of the Association.
•             Training and Education. 
DAI runs many seminars and courses for parents, teachers, and other groups. Conferences are held every two years. Bespoke training and talks are also available on request.
•             Lobbying and Campaigning. 
DAI both nationally and locally is active in lobbying and campaigning for greater awareness and improved services for those dealing with dyslexia.
All DAI members are also encouraged to lobby and campaign, as there is great strength in numbers.
•             Fundraising activities. 
As a charity with limited state support, DAI is very reliant on fundraising to enable us to continue to provide our services.
Please contact our Information Team by calling 01 877 6001 or by emailing info@dyslexia.ie if you have any questions.

Does a child with dyslexia require special needs education?
No a child with Dyslexia does not require special needs education.
However Students with Dyslexia may receive supplementary support in their school from the Learning Support teacher. 
This help is usually in a small group setting, and is usually organised on a withdrawal basis from the regular class.

 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Kevan Chandler is a young American man who is diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
It is a genetic disease that affects the part of the nervous system which controls voluntary muscle movement.
Most of the nerve cells control the muscles in the spinal cord.
The muscles are unable to receive signals from the nerve cells.
The muscles, due to being inactive, get smaller.

Everyone has a dream and despite being wheelchair bound, Kevan's dream is to go backpacking!

Life is not a competition, there is room for everyone to succeed and with the help of Kevan's true friends, they show their support to one another, so incredible things can happen, such as travelling around Europe "backpacking with a difference".

One of Kevan's good friends Tom Troyer kindly agreed to the following interview so as to raise awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and to ask the public, near and far, to show their support by making a donation to the fundraising page on the Go Fund Me link via the website www.wecarrykevan.com

__________________________________________

WHAT IS YOUR NAME AND AGE?
Tom Troyer, 29 in April

YOUR FRIEND KEVAN IS DIAGNOSED WITH SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY, HOW OLD IS KEVAN AND HOW DOES THIS CONDITION AFFECT HIS DAILY LIFE?
Kevan is 29 and he needs assistance with almost all daily activities that can't be done with an iPhone or performed by the turn of his wheel chair's controls.
He has use of one hand.
He has chosen professional goals that match his intellect, wit, and ear for detail...which are largely unaffected by his condition.
He is an author and sound engineer."

YOU, PHILIP KELLER AND BENJAMIN DUVALL INTEND TO TRAVEL AROUND EUROPE FROM JUNE 19TH - JULY 8TH AS "BACKPACKERS WITH A DIFFERENCE" BY CARRYING KEVAN ON YOUR BACKS, WHAT TYPE OF BACK PACK WILL YOU USE?
We will use a Dueter Kid Comfort III which we tried out at REI.
We will have a local company help us with some specific modifications to improve the weight capacity and durability of the pack.
Hudson's Hill is a denim and leather shop in Greensboro...they're pretty sharp fellows.

WHERE IN EUROPE WILL YOU TRAVEL AND WHY?
We will travel to Paris, Smois-sur Seine, London, and Skellig Michael.
Kevan wants to visit Samois Sur Siene to see the winter home of Django Rienhardt. Django has been a long time inspiration for Kevan.
This part of our trip will be a pilgrimage of sorts to pay homage to a historical figure who achieved so much despite physical limitations.
For those who don't know Django's left hand was damaged in a fire and he played guitar with really only two fingers.

LUKE THOMPSON WILL BE FILMING FOR A DOCUMENTARY, WILL IT BE ON TV?
The documentary will be used in a lot of ways but we are unsure if TV will be a possibility yet...although that sure would be nice.

YOU HAVE A FINDRAISING PAGE, WHAT WILL THE FUNDING BE USED FOR?
HOW/WHERE CAN THE PUBLIC DONATE?
The fund raising page is a www.gofundme.com page and is linked through our website: www.wecarrykevan.com.
The funds will be for airfare, lodging, transportation in Europe, a stipend for the caregivers (roughly minimum wage) and of course food.

ISPCA

The ISPCA is the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ISPCA promote animal welfare, prevent cruelty to animals and relieve animal suffering.

These people show determination, persistence, kindness and love to help care for and protect the lives of innocent animals in Ireland.

It costs approximately €50,000 per year per inspector to keep on the roads in Ireland.
This covers uniform, vehicle costs, logistical costs and support.

Did you know that the penalties issued are as such:
If a person is convicted of an offence he/she can be fined €5,000 or €250,000 if on indictment.
If a person is convicted of an offence he/she maybe sent to prison for up to 6 months or 5 years if on indictment.
A person convicted may also be banned from buying, owning or caring for animal for a certain period of time or even for life.

The website for the ISPCA is www.ispca.ie
There is lots of valid information on the website plus a shop selling wonderful gifts and if you'd like to make a donation to this very worthy cause you can do so by clicking the DONATE button on the.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the person behind the following Facebook page.
https://m.facebook.com/ISPCA-Inspector-for-Co-Mayo-Campaign-1724399111123646/
Here are my questions and the answers that were given.

__________________________________________

What is the ISPCA Inspector For Co. Mayo on www.facebook.com about?
This page is about funding an ISPCA inspector which Co. Mayo does not have at this time.
A small group of highly experienced and dedicated friends who removed themselves from a rescue they could not support, chose to put their efforts into helping ALL the rescues and animals of Co. Mayo by beginning this campaign.

What is the location of the Mayo ISPCA?
There is no " Mayo ISPCA" per se, the way it works is through affiliates, who agree to follow ISPCA guidelines & policies.
It can be quite a stringent application and approval process & can be removed if the ISPCA feels they are not adhering to the policies.
The current affiliate for the ISPCA in Mayo is the Mayo SPCA in Ballyhaunis.

How many ISPCA facilities are in Ireland?
There are currently 22 SPCAs affiliated to the ISPCA and two main facilities connected with the ISPCA itself.

What was the first ISPCA established in Ireland and by whom?
The ISPCA is a national charity and was established in May 1949, by a group of committed volunteers from across Ireland, and since then the ISPCA has worked locally and nationally rescuing, rehabilitating and responsibly re-homing cruelly treated and neglected animals
The reason we began this campaign is because of the stronger powers an ISPCA Inspector has as opposed to the limited powers of other rescues.
While doing much of the same work as the rescues, they also have the power to immediately remove animals they feel are at risk.
More importantly have the power to initiate prosecutions.
This is vital in stopping cruelty, neglect and abandonment and hopefully as more prosecutions occur, the penalties will fit the crimes.
The Inspectors will also work with people, helping them do the best for their animals and are very much interested in education in responsible animal care.

What animals do the ISPCA care for?
The ISPCA will mainly work with dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, but will investigate cases for other species (cattle, reptiles, birds etc)

Do the ISPCA take part in fundraising?
The ISPCA work purely on donations and a small govt grant, so would very much be creating events and fundraisers to help their work.
Each affiliate is in charge of raising their own funds and applying for the various gov't grants.

What are your own personal views on the welfare of animals, blood sports and circus animals?
Myself, I am against the use of animals for any entertainment or purpose which involves causing them pain, loss of freedom, or forcing them to act in any way that is against their nature.
The ISPCA is currently running a campaign to ban the use of animals in circuses, they also have several other ongoing and active campaigns ...
From their website :
"The ISPCA continues to actively campaign Nationally and
internationally against live export of horses for slaughter, the
plight of Circus Animals, Exotic Animal legislation, Stray and
unwanted dog situation within Ireland, Irish Greyhound Industry,
Whaling, Bullfighting, Wild birds for pet trade, Seal Hunting, Against
live cattle exports to Middle East, Intensive Dog Breeding
Establishment Bill, Animal Health and Welfare Bill, Dangerous Wild
Animals, Stray and Feral cat situation within Ireland to name a few".

Yes or no, do you think animal welfare should be taught in school across Ireland and why?
Definitely yes, from the day they begin school I think children should learn about responsible animal care as part of the curriculum.
The ISPCA is involved with "Educate Together" with lessons plans
Schools and Teachers can use for this.

If you would like more details & information about the ISPCA, their
website is www.ispca.ie

If you would like to know more about the campaign to fund an ISPCA
Inspector for Co. Mayo our website is www.ispcamayofriends.com
our email is sheps.inspector@gmail.com

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

James Walker (16) from the UK lives with his supportive parents Gina & Iain Walker and his doting sister Tash.

James is diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome which is a form of Epilepsy.

Unable to communicate but still attending school, James was able to use a special piece of technology that did allow him to communicate for the very first time, although this was only available to him for 30 minutes per week.
His first words were "Hello mum" and his proud mother Gina told The Telegraph newspaper, "Its mind blowing hearing your son speak for the first time, even though its a computer generated voice"

A fundraising process took place and £12,000 was raised in order to purchase James a "Tobii Eye Gaze"
A machine that allows James to communicate through a computer.
Now James has his very own machine, he now has a new lease on his once quiet life.
The eye tracking machine not only allows James to communicate but it also gives him control over his bedroom lights and the television too.

The technology that James uses helps people with limited or no speech due to stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, ALS, traumatic injury and more.
If you'd like more information on this technology please visit www.tobiidynavox.com

__________________________________________

James walker's mother Gina kindly agreed to an interview with me, in order to inform all of James' condition and raise awareness around the World.

WHAT IS THE CONDITION JAMES HAS?
Lennox-Gastaut is a really difficult to control epilepsy, usually drug resistant, and because of the amount of seizures it causes severe developmental delay.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT HIS LIFE?
James is totally dependant on us for all of his needs but has no brain damage, he has just not been able to learn anything due to the amount of seizures he has.
He was having hundreds everyday when younger then went to around 50 a day until he had the VNS implant a couple of years ago which dropped the seizures to around 10 a day.

WHEN WAS JAMES DIAGNOSED?
He was only diagnosed with LGS a couple of years ago just before his VNS operation he has no diagnosis of anything else only the type of epilepsy he has so it seems he has always understood everything around him but never had any way of communicating with us or the world around him until he got to use the Tobii eyegaze.
It tracks his eye movements and speaks in a computer generated voice, what he looks at on the screen.

(if you look on tobbi dynavox website you can see our fundraising story there and how the machine  works)

The Heart of A Homeless Man

Homeless people are most often unable to find and maintain regular, safe or secure housing.

At worst homelessness means sleeping on the streets.

According to statistics the UK government showed that in 2015 approximately 3,559 people slept on the streets in one given night across the UK.

Sleeping on the streets is a dangerous situation to be in and also a very traumatising experience too.

The majority if people who are sleeping on the streets will more than likely suffer mental health issues, health conditions and sometimes drug misuse or prostitution.

Homelessness isn't always as straightforward as you may think.
People don't just decide to go sleep on the streets, people become homeless for many reasons such as debt, drug/alcohol abuse, illness, lack of affordable and social housing, leaving foster care, being released from prison, marriage/relationship breakdown, emotional and physical and/or sexual abuse within the home.

Some people believe that some "homeless people" are faking and simply just trying to con passerby's out of money, just recently in the news this was proved to be true when a "homeless" man was pictured with his dog, in a sleeping bag on the street begging for money but later drove off in an expensive car!
However not all homeless people are frauds and out to con people.
Most are genuinely homeless.

Recently I attended the Peace Proms in Dublin, Ireland.
I saw a homeless man lying in a sleeping bag next to a bin, right outside a coffee shop.
I felt so sorry for him but rather than give him money, which could be spent on drugs/alcohol or even be stolen from him, I bought him a "Hot Chocolate" drink and gave it to him.
At least it warmed him up and gave him substance.
I knew in my heart he was genuinely homeless, for he carried a terrible odour and his top was torn plus his hand and nails were in a really bad bad.

At 15 I ran away from home, I slept in the local park for 2 nights and then a friend's family took me in until I returned hone again.
I knew the layout of the park, in daylight and night, it was a familiar place to me however sleeping there made me frightened, uncomfortable and dirty..

Recently, in the UK news, a young lady named Nicole found herself in an unfamiliar location and to her surprise a young homeless man by the name of Mark came to her rescue.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole about what happened.
Here in detail she tells me about "The Heart Of A Homeless Man".

Name: Nicole Sedgebeer

Age: 22

Location: Milton Keynes

When you see a homeless person, what is your initial reaction?
I never used to have a reaction, I have always been so wrapped up in my own world that I walk past without thinking about who they are as a person or how they are feeling.

What happened on the day you met Mark?
The day I met Mark I was on a work night out, I lost a colleague in London on the way to the next venue.
I waited for so long that I missed my last train home.
As I had work the next morning I thought I would wait at Euston for the first train home, The Uber taxi driver confirmed I could wait inside.
I panicked when I realised the door were locked and that’s when I approached Mark.
He walked me to a café, we sat and had some food and I bought some food for his friend who was looking after Marks stuff.
We chatted about his life a little bit and then he said he had to go and get his sleeping bag because he was worried but he would come back for me at 5 when the station will be open.
I waited in the café till 5 but Mark wasn’t there to walk me back.
I had 20 minutes to get my train so I couldn’t wait.
As I walked round the corner Mark was running up the road, he explained that he had to get a bus to come get me and he was sorry that he was late.
When we got back to Euston I asked to take a quick picture with the tiny bit of battery I had on my phone.
I explained to him that these ‘tiny noticeable things’ TNT moments should be documented.
I took his number so I could keep in contact and I got the train home.
Mark called me in the morning at 9 am to make sure I was up and ready for work.

Do you know anything about Mark and how he came to be homeless?
Mark’s story about how he became homeless is personal to him but he has been on the streets for 12 years.

Where is Mark currently living?
Mark was put into a hostel last week.
Due to him being on the streets for so long he has become quite sick so he is now high priority.

What did Mark do for you?
Mark made me notice.
This experience has been amazing.
I have learnt so much from him, about the system and processes they have to go through.
I have also had so many people share moments that they have shared with not just Mark but other people in the homeless community.
It’s great to see how many people remember these moments and how they touch them just as much as my experience with Mark.
As Mark said on the news he’s just as much as a person as anyone else and I would of shared my story even if it wasn’t a homeless man.
Kindness like this isn’t as common these days because people are interacting less with each other.
I think the importance of all this is that the story has gone viral because so many people do not expect homeless people to give back but so many of them do.

You currently have a fundraising application set up in order to raise funds for Mark, how much have you raised to date?
We have hit £12,000

Have you remained in contact with Mark? Yes Mark and I speak on the phone every day.

Is Mark aware of the fundraising in place? Yes, he is very involved in the page.
This is something we need to work together on and this will continue for a long time.

Next time you see a homeless person, how will you react?
Every homeless person is a completely different person so I don’t know.
I definitely won’t be walking passed them anymore and I really want to get involved in some volunteering.
There is a lot of publicity in Milton Keynes, UK at the moment because 2 men have recently died on the streets so I will be looking to help raise awareness.

If you wish to make a donation to Nicole on behalf of Mark please do so via her fundraising page,
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/helpthehomeless

Children's Tattoo Sleeves

TotTude is an online company selling children's wear, mainly tattoo sleeves for children.
Tattoo sleeves are pieces of material from the wrist to the elbow or shoulder with designs on that resemble tattoos.
Some may say they are considered "bad ass" and inappropriate where as others may say they ate a piece of art and fun.
The law as we know states that minors are NOT allowed tattoos but TotTude has a solution with her amazing tattoo sleeves.
If you'd like to view the products available please visit the website at www.tottude.com or the social media page at https://m.facebook.com/TotTude/
The owner of TotTude kindly answered the following questions.

Business Name:
TotTude

When was the business established?
2013

What products and for what age range do you sell?
Our main product is tattoo sleeve shirts for babies and children.
They are available in sizes newborn through youth large.

Here in Ireland your "tattoo sleeves" for babies have caused some highs and lows, what made you decide to design and sell them.
I was a baby and children's photographer for 10 years, and during that time I had a lot of little boys come in and their mothers would always complain that there wasn't any unique clothing options for them.
Girls have a lot of different options, but for boys it was always either polos or button down plaid shirts. 
So I came up with the idea of the tattoo sleeves on t shirts, made a few to test out, and started selling them online and it's grown ever since.

What's your best selling product to date?
The basic black t shirt with chopper style sleeves has been really popular: http://tottude.com/toddler-biker-tattoo-sleeve-tee/

What are your plans for the future of the business?
I started this business so I could be a stay at home mom to my 4 daughters, and I plan to hire some other stay at home moms in my community to work for my business.
I would have them do sewing, marketing, and other business tasks from their own homes while their kids were at school. 
I also plan on expanding into different products and adding more styles of our current products.