Irish child with cerebral palsy celebrates second anniversary of life … – Irish Mirror

A child with cerebral palsy has celebrated the second anniversary of a life-changing operation that enabled him to walk.

Six-year-old Tadhg Kelly was facing life in a wheelchair as a result of the movement disorder that affects his muscles.

At just three, doctors told his parents Moya, 43, and 44-year-old Jonathan who have both battled cancer their son would never walk.

But they refused to give up and raised 80,000 to send Tadhg to St Louis in the US for spinal surgery.

Dubliner Moya said: We were advised the sooner we put him in an electric wheelchair, the better.

But having seen the success of many other Irish children who had travelled to America for treatment we refused to give up hope and decided to apply to see if Tadhg was a candidate for a surgery.

Having just finished treatment for breast cancer myself, the prospect of raising that amount of money was daunting but we would have done anything to make this possible.

We had our share of bad luck with Tadhgs dad having also fought cancer a few years previously. It was time for something positive to happen.

Tadhg had Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery to open up the spinal cord and cut the affected nerves in 2015 when he was four.

It was a success and he took his first steps, with the help of a walker, soon after.

Speaking yesterday for the first time since the surgery, Moya added: His life has improved so much.

He is no longer crying with cramping in his legs. Everything is a little bit better.

He is more confident, happier. Even his speech has improved.

Now he wants to go to football matches, parties and get involved.

But the operation is just the start and Tadhg, who attends St Josephs School in Drumcondra, North Dublin, still has physio four days a week.

His parents were able to raise the money thanks to support for Tadhgs Wish To Walk campaign.

Moya feels for families forced to fundraise for medical care in the US which should be available at home.

She added: We know without the support received from the people of Ireland our sons future would not be looking so bright.

He would have been confined to a wheelchair and most likely facing endless orthopaedic surgeries.

We are incredibly grateful to all those who gave to our appeal and transformed our sons life.

Originally posted here:
Irish child with cerebral palsy celebrates second anniversary of life ... - Irish Mirror