BY MARK McKELVEY

TRAGIC Omagh toddler Billy Caldwell's second birthday celebrations today (Thursday) received a major boost as his fight-for-life story hit the streets of New York.

The popular Irish-American newspaper, the Irish Voice, features the Billy's Ray of Hope campaign on its front page for this week's edition.

With such a strong Irish-American connection, Billy's parents Charlotte and Andy hope that media exposure on the other side of the Atlantic will provide a boost in raising the £250,000 needed to pay for their toddler's life-saving treatment in Chicago.

The fact that Billy is alive today to celebrate his second birthday is a miracle; in March 2006, he was sent home to die from a severe strain of intractable epilepsy.

His parents said this week how 'blessed' they feel that their beautiful smiling son is still with them today. They are also delighted at the continuing generosity they have received from the community since the UH revealed Billy's story almost two months ago.

Happy birthday, Billy, and many happy returns!