A NORTHSIDE couple have started a fundraising campaign to pay for an operation to help their daughter to walk for the first time.
Cara Leathem (2), from Balbriggan, was born in January 2010 nine weeks premature. At the age of 17 months she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Cara has been accepted for a potentially life changing operation in America called Selective Dorsal Rhizotom, which will give her the chance to learn how to walk one day. The operation will cost in the region of
?¬60,000.
Cara’s mum, Laura, told Northside People that they enquired about the operation earlier this year and applied for it in the summer.
“They (hospital in US) told us that Cara was suitable for the operation and afterwards there would be a chance that she could walk unaided,
? said Laura.
“It will help her mobility and take away the tightness in her legs.
“It would be great not to have to wheel her into the classroom when she starts school.
?
The fundraising campaign, entitled
‘Cara’s Wish To Walk’, began a month ago and Cara’s parents have been
“blown away
? by the support they have received in the community.
“People have been so generous in the area and we’re already half way towards our target which is absolutely fantastic,
? added Laura.
“The money will go towards the operation and the aftercare, which will include physio.
?
Proceeds from a number of events including skydives, quizzes and raffles have helped to kick-start the fund.
Two quizzes are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 27 and Saturday, December 8 at Gilbert & Wright’s Malahide and the Hamlet Bar in Balbriggan respectively.
If you would like to donate to Cara’s fund, visit www.caraswishtowalk.com