The family of a much-loved grandmother have been forced to issue a public plea for support to fund a vital stroke prevention surgery.
Catherine Ahearne is a 62 year old mother of 6 children and 5 grandchildren. Catherine lives in Leitrim and has two children in Donegal – a daughter in Letterkenny and a son in Kilmacrennan.
In 2018, just one year after losing her beloved son Sam (aged 39) to a swimming accident, Catherine suffered two heart attacks and was taken to hospital by ambulance. She had to have two stents placed near her heart due to severe blockages.
Despite leading a fit and healthy lifestyle, Catherine’s recovery was complicated this year by the discovery of two blocked arteries in her neck, with one being 80% blocked.
In order to secure surgery as soon as possible, Catherine’s daughter Siobhan Ahearne, who lives in Letterkenny, has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the €20,000 funds needed to go private.
There is no time to waste, Siobhan writes in the GoFundMe appeal:
“For those that are familiar with the Irish public health service you will be well versed in hearing about the waiting lists for surgery, even prior to Covid-19.
“Despite this being an emergency situation she could be facing a wait of one year or more on the waiting list. We do not know if she has a year to wait. With the symptoms she has experienced in the last few months it is likely a stroke is imminent.
“Time in this case is a luxury. It is something we do not have. For such an independent woman the thought of facing a situation that could take her independence is devastating, and even worse we realise that a stroke could be fatal.”
The family said they have found a vascular surgeon in Galway who would carry out the recommended procedure. They hope to secure the funds as soon as possible in order to spend time arranging Catherine’s aftercare.
Siobhan continued: “Our plea to you is to help us achieve our 20k goal and enable us to provide this potentially life saving treatment to Catherine, a woman who has done everything within her power to avoid ill health, but unfortunately for reasons outside of her control has had to endure it.
“Timing is essential here so we need to do this quickly. If you can share this with your network that can help us raise the funds more quickly. We are trying every avenue possible to make this happen. Please help us.”
Visit the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-mum-get-life-saving-surgery
Tags: