FOLLOWING Donegal’s All Ireland Semi Final successes, supporters attending this Sunday’s big game in Dublin are again being asked to help a Killygordon boy’s fight to be able to walk.
Following the huge response last month, Anne Marie Doherty is hoping fans will this Sunday boost her fund-raising campaign that will help her son Paul (5) get vital treatment.
The ‘Mammy I Want To Walk’ drive is all about raising funds for brave Paul as there is no assistance available at home as the HSE can’t fund the operation, so the family has to seek help in the USA.
He has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and to date has had physio, occupational therapy, speech therapy, conductive education, Botox injections, three weeks at the Peto Institute in Hungary and all sorts of medicines but to no avail.
“There have been lots of developments in the past few weeks in the ‘Mammy I want to Walk Fund.’ We have had the most tremendous support for the great people of Donegal,” Anne Marie said.
“Each donation is a step closer to Paul to ditch his wheelchair and walk. Its the incredible support of Donegal people that is making all this possible.”
Ms Doherty came across an operation in America called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). The operation involves cutting some of the nerves in Paul’s spinal cord that are misfiring the muscles in his leg.
Paul has been assessed for this operation and has been accepted. The neurosurgeon, Dr Park, in St. Louis Hospital, Missouri, expects Paul will be able to walk with the aid of crutches/walker if he gets the operation.
“This operation has been a successful part of cerebral palsy treatment in the USA for years. The NHS in the UK has just recently decided to trial the operation for 120 children there. By the time the operation is available in Ireland, it will be too late for Paul. “We need to raise a minimum of €60,000 for Paul’s dream of walking to be a reality.”
She hopes the supporters at Sunday’s match can play their part in Paul’s bid to recover.
“The capacity of Croke Park is 82,300. If each person gave an average of just €1, Paul could have his operation and entire post op physio programme” she added.
If you haven’t got a ticket, you can still donate at any Ulster Bank. Sort code 98 52 52. Account 10633243.
For further information log on to Paul’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/mammyiwanttowalk
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)