Tadhg’s dream is finally coming true

THE parents of a six-year-old boy from Clonsilla with cerebral palsy have thanked locals for their support in helping make his wish to walk come true.

Three years ago, Tadhg Kelly’s parents, Jonathan Kelly from Ballymun and Moya Muldowney from Co Mayo, were advised by doctors to put their son into an electric wheelchair as he’d never walk and wasn’t a candidate for surgery. Born six and half weeks premature, Tadhg began having seizures when he was seven-months-old. At 13 months he was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy. 

The condition left him unable to walk, or even crawl, so he moved by pulling himself along the floor.

Jonathan and Moya refused to accept he’d never walk and after researching his condition found many other Irish children with similar problems who had travelled to America for treatment.

Further research led them to renowned neurological surgeon Dr Tae Sung Park of St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri who specialises in treating children with cerebral palsy.

“Dr Park said that Tadhg would be an excellent candidate so we launched Tadhg’s Wish To Walk campaign in an effort to raise €80,000 to cover the cost of the surgery and two years of follow up intensive therapy,” Moya said.

Having just finished treatment for breast cancer herself, the prospect of raising that amount of money for Tadhg’s Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery was daunting for Moya.

Jonathan had also fought his own cancer battle a few years previously but the couple were determined to battle for Tadhg.

“We would have done anything to make this possible for Tadhg,” Moya said.

“We had had our share of bad luck. It was time for something positive to happen.” 

The response to Tadhg’s Wish to Walk campaign was amazing and not just locally. People from all over Ireland and further afield supported Tadhg and in April 2015 Tadhg’s dream began to come true when he had his surgery in St Louis.

Before surgery, Tadhg was a complete non-walker but he can now walk independently with a kaye walker. He has also started to balance using tripod sticks and his parents hope he will eventually learn to walk with these.

“His balance, coordination and confidence has improved,” Moya said. “He no longer wakes up at night crying with pain in his legs. He is much happier and is able to interact better socially.

“Our lives have truly been transformed but this is only the starting point for Tadhg’s independent future. 

“He continues to have physical and strengthening therapy at least four days per week, along with horse riding therapy and swimming.

“He travels to Scotland for intensive therapy three times a year. “

Tadhg is showing much determination and courage and working very hard to achieve his full potential.”

Moya says SDR surgery not only works, but it absolutely transforms the lives of children like Tadhg.

“Not every child with cerebral palsy is a candidate but for those who are, they should have the option of having the surgery here in Ireland,” she added.

“So many families are forced to fundraise and travel to the States in order to give their child the best chance in life. We know that without the support received from the people of Ireland that our son’s future would not be looking so bright.

 “He would have been confined to a wheelchair and most likely facing endless orthopaedic surgeries in the future. We are incredibly grateful to all those who gave to our appeal and transformed our son’s life with their overwhelming support.”