Province lends support to a great charity drive
DEBRA IRELAND is the only charity in the country that provides hope and support to all patients and their families living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and as one of Leinster Rugby’s two charity partners, last Saturday’s game against Montpellier was their match day takeover and as part of that Leinster Rugby presented a mascot slot to Debra Ireland.
Jayden Moore-Connors was that mascot and when he stepped out with the Leinster Rugby captain Isa Nacewa he was honouring his sister Casey and all those living with EB.
Casey is only five years old. She was born with EB, a rare genetic skin condition that makes her skin extremely delicate. Her skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wing and can be just as easily damaged.
On a daily basis, her body is at war with itself and she is blistered and wounded from head to toe.
She is wrapped in bandages that have to be changed every second day in an excruciating routine that can take up to four hours. What is even more heart-breaking is that underneath her bandages the same wounds are occurring internally.
Standing on the field cheering Jayden and Leinster was his Mum Rachel, Dad Alan, his Granny and Grandad and Casey.
This year DEBRA Ireland is asking people to join in the butterfly effect, starting with Leinster fans at last Saturday’s game and stretching right across the province and indeed the country in particular for Debra Ireland’s National EB Awareness Week which takes place from Monday, October 23.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support we have received from Leinster Rugby and the Blue Army over the last year,” said Judith Gilsenan of Debra Ireland.
“Their support means so much to all those living with EB. Because EB is rare, fewer people have heard of it.
“We want to create a butterfly effect where small gestures can have larger effects.
Anyone wishing to support Debra Ireland during their EB Awareness Week is asked to text BUTTERFLY to 50300 to donate €4.Debra Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.25 from every donation.