Little Tadhg’s dream to walk

THE parents of a four-year-old Clonsilla boy suffering from cerebral palsy are hoping locals in Dublin 15 will get behind a final fundraising push for a life changing operation in the US that could enable him to take his first steps.

Tadhg Kelly’s biggest wish is to be able to walk and despite battling cancer themselves, parents Jonathan Kelly from Ballymun and Moya from Co Mayo have been doing whatever they can to help their only child.

“He’s a great character and a very happy little fellah,

? Moya told Northside People.
But behind his smiles, Tadhg’s short life has been a difficult journey. Born six and half weeks premature he began having seizures when he was just seven-months-old.

“When we brought him home from hospital after the birth we thought everything was OK,

? Moya says.

“After he started having seizures they did investigations in Temple Street and got them under control but when they did an MRI we found out something was wrong.

?
When Tadhg was 13-months-old he was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. The condition has left him unable to walk, or even crawl, so he moves by pulling himself along the floor.

“It breaks our hearts to see Tadhg watching other children running, playing and exploring all by themselves,

? Moya says.
When he was three, Tadhg’s parents were advised to put him in an electric wheelchair, but they refused, clinging onto the hope that their son would one day walk.

“We just felt that while he continuesd to improve and develop we didn’t want to give up hope,

? explains Moya.

The family researched treatment options and came across paediatric Neuro-Surgeon Dr Tae Sung Park of St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri who specialises in treating children with cerebral palsy.

Dr Park says Tadhg is an excellent candidate for treatment that will not only improve his mobility, but also his sitting, standing, transitions, balance and overall comfort.
However, it costs

?¬80,000 and Jonathan and Moya have been trying to raise money through fundraisers, but the family received a setback when Tadhg’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer last January.

Dad Jonathan has also battled cancer and supported his wife through six months of chemotherapy.

Moya finished a course of radiology just six weeks ago and is now determined to spearhead a final push to raise enough money to send Tadhg to Missouri in April.

“It’s all positive now,

? she says.

“Things really can only get better. The fundraising so far has been great and we know we have a lot of people behind us, egging us on and giving support.

“But we have to raise this amount as soon as possible, as the younger Tadhg has the surgery, the better.

?

A local fundraiser took place in Clonsilla Inn last Friday, November 21, and Water Babies Ireland has just launched a new campaign for Tadhg, who has attended the baby and toddler swim school.

“Tadhg loved the Water Babies classes,

? said Moya.

“Initially they really helped his head control and all the singing and visual aids were very engaging for Tadhg.
Carol McNally from Water Babies said:

“We are delighted to be able to help Tadhg and his family in their fundraising efforts.

“Tadhg attended Water Babies classes for two years and was able to incorporate his swimming classes easily into his weekly routine.

?
Water Babies will raise funds across their classes in Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Louth over a period of a week beginning Saturday, November 29.

Locals wishing to support Tadhg’s Wish To Walk campaign can visit his website at Tadhgswishtowalk.com. Donations can be made at any branch of Permanent TSB using Sort Code: 990651 and Account no: 23370680.

Donations can also be made by texting WALK to 57802. Texts cost

?¬2 and a minimum of

?¬1.38 will go to Tadhg’s Wish to Walk.