Mum’s worry for son ( 4) as he needs US op
OVER € 122K IS NEEDED TO FUND LITTLE RORY GALLAGHER’S VITAL HIP SURGERY AS FEARS DISPLACEMENT WILL WORSEN
THE Mother of Cliffoney boy, Rory Gallagher ( 4), who has cerebral palsy has spoken about concerns for her toddler as he awaits further surgery in the United States.
Shauna Gallagher says her son’s hips are severely dislocated.
“His right is the worst, it’s over 52 % dislocated and could come out at any time which is very scary. We have been told that it’s very likely that this will happen soon as we have no way of containing his hip.
“When this happens it will mean that we will have to jump on a plane and get Rory to the States.
“This is something I am now living in constant fear of as Rory will be in excruciating pain.
“He is currently waiting on a sleep system from the HSE along with a specially moulded night time wedge but we received an email to say Rory is on the waiting list and workshop in Central Remedial Clinic is out of action for the month of April so they are unable to make any of the wedges for that period of time.
“They informed us that Rory is currently seventh on the waiting list and that they envisage once it is back up and running in May he will be scheduled to have his made towards the end of June, that is all going to plan with their workshop.
She says the waiting time is difficult to bear and that he has needed the wedge since last November.
“Any piece of equipment which he requires has to be fought for,” says Shauna.
“I waste so much precious time that I could be spending with Rory begging for what he needs, writing emails about emails.
“They prescribed this last November, they understood that his hips were in serious trouble and yet Rory is still waiting.”
Shauna says Rory’s right hip was continuing to migrate and is requiring constant monitoring.
“We need to pay from Rory’s surgeries upfront and are desperately trying to raise € 122,000 to cover the cost of the surgeries.
“This figure covers the surgeries alone before even the logistics of flights, accommodation are taken into account.
“We need to get this € 122,000 into his hospital’s account urgently. We have received two emails requesting payment.
“It’s all so worrying. Rory will be in cast for over six weeks post op and will require intensive re
habilitation for the foreseeable future, but the surgeons in the USA have told us Rory will walk post surgery.
“It’s going to be a long road and will require lots of hard work and effort from Rory, but he is a wee fighter and he will do it.
“Rory will require a minimum of two years in the neurological rehabilitation centre post op.
“This comes at a cost of € 2,200 per month plus an additional € 660 for physiotherapy. While life is going to be difficult in the short term, long term for Rory it will all be worth it,” said Shauna.
It has been a constant round of fundraising for Rory who has had previous surgery in the US and continues to make significant progress in his wish to walk.
Rory was diagnosed with CP at eight months and his parents were told he would spend his life in a wheelchair.
However, fundraising locally meant he could travel to the US for surgery on his legs and vision and this has made such a difference giving his parents every confidence that one day he will be able to walk.
“Myself and Rory are just home from the neurological rehabilitation center in Paterna Spain where he made great progress.
“He is getting much stronger and building up his strength. He worked hard very day and never gave up, I am so proud of him,” she says.
Rory got a lovely surprise over the Easter when Belfast boxer Carl Frampton and his wife Christine and their two children Carla and Rossa paid a visit to Cliffoney to welcome him home.
“Rory was absolutely delighted there was such great excitement. He is Carl’s biggest fan.
“They came with a massive amount of Easter treats for Rory and had him completely spoilt
“Rory was in awe as he saw him coming through the kitchen door.
“It was the most precious moment. I was so overwhelmed and couldn’t help but cry.
“To think that Carl would drive up from Belfast to surprise my wee Rory, its unimaginable.
“Rory met Carl last November in Belfast where Rory was treated like a VIP at the Homecoming Belfast fight night and has been keeping in touch over the phone and through twitter but for him to come up to visit Rory was so special.
“Rory had the best day ever and enjoyed messing about with Carl, eating Easter eggs and doing some boxing.
“Rory has been fighting from day one so it’s no surprise to us that he is boxing mad.
“His wish is to walk and myself and my husband Gerry will do whatever it takes to see our little boy’s wish to walk come true.”
And the Belfast boxer generously donated € 4,200 to Rory’s fund to help with the cost of the double hip surgeries in Boston Children’s hospital.
“Carl has also given Rory some of his sports memorabilia which we hope will raise some of the vital funds required for his surgeries, this includes the jacket worn for the July 2016 Leo Santa Cruz fight in New York when he won the WBA ( super) featherweight championship.
“This is along with a signed glove from Barry McGuigan, Shane McGuigan and Carl himself.
“A signed glove by Leo Santa Cruz and Carl, the boots that he wore for the Leo Santa Cruz fight and the treasured boots from his Scott Quigg fight it’s just unbelievable.
“Carl and Christine are just the most beautiful couple , so down to earth, extremely generous and so positive for our wee Rory’s future.
“I was very down in the dumps a few months ago but Carl kept me going and made me believe that it is possible and that there are good people willing to help Rory.
“To have Carl come his lovely family come and spend the day with our Rory was absolute amazing.
“To see him having fun with his hero was just something else. Carl is an ambassador for little Rory.
He is launching wristbands for Rory which are only € 5 each with the funds going towards Rory’s surgeries & giving him the life he deserves,” says Shauna. They can be ordered @ http:// www. rorygallagherswishtowalk. com/ wristbands. html For anyone who would like to purchase any of the memorabilia can make contact by email @ Rorygallagherswishtowalk. com or on twitter @ Roryswishtowalk If anyone would like to donate to Rory’s cause please go to www. gofundme. com/ roryswishtowalk