A DUBLIN students’ union and university have teamed up to support a student in need of a vital operation.
TU Dublin Students’ Union and TU Dublin have joined forces in asking the University’s network of students, alumni, staff and community partners to support a fundraising campaign for Conor Burke, a fourth-year 22-year-old student of International Business and Languages in the University.
Conor, from Athlone, has a rare condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, and his family are raising €160,000 for a specialised spinal fusion operation, which can only be performed in Barcelona.
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or EDS, is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissues, affect a person’s joints, bladder control, as well as causing digestive problems.
Conor has since been diagnosed with advanced craniocervical instability (CCI), atlantoaxial instability (AAI), and brainstem compression, and he urgently needs surgery to stop the progression of his illness.
As a child, Conor always dreamed of travelling the world, which led to him studying International Business and Languages at TU Dublin.
He is now in his final year studying online, but unfortunately, the last few years have brought many challenges, and he now uses a power chair full-time and requires a neck brace to keep his head up.
Conor also needs full-time care provided at home by his family.
His family feel his only hope of slowing down the progression of his disease is to get a highly-specialised and costly spinal surgical procedure which is only available in Barcelona.
But, unfortunately, they are not entitled to any financial assistance from the HSE for this procedure and must raise the €160,000 fund themselves.
Speaking about the fundraising appeal, TU Dublin Students’ Union President, Mark O’Donnell and Deputy President, Lesley Barrett, said:
“It is part of the vision of TU Dublin students’ union that each TU Dublin student will have a positive and transformative experience and, we do what we can to support and advise students to enact this.
“We would like to show our support and admiration for Connor’s determination and bravery by supporting the fundraising efforts being undertaken.
“The funds raised will be used to provide the lifesaving operation Conor needs. We are joining TU Dublin in asking, students, staff, and alumni to donate to this fund if they can and share it widely so Connor can get the medical intervention needed.
“Please give any amount you can.”
Any Dublin People readers who would like to donate to Conor’s surgery fundraiser please click here