Ciaran's Spinal Surgery (VBT)

Angela McKee is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Gavin McKee.

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This journey started for us in June when we were told following a sports massage that Ciaran may have scoliosis. Thanks Niall Moraghan for picking this up. Following a referral to Musgrave Park Hospital we were shocked to be given a diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and told that surgery was his only option as his curve had already progressed to almost 50°.

As a competitive swimmer maintaining flexibility in the spine would be the best outcome for Ciaran post surgery. This unfortunately comes at a high price of €50000. The surgery required is called Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT). This is a less invasive keyhole surgery with a quicker recovery time in comparison to spinal fusion but not currently available on the NHS. The aim of this procedure is to correct scoliosis while still preserving spinal flexibility. He could be back to school within 3 weeks and back swimming within 6weeks. This price covers hospital costs and does not cover travel, initial accommodation or aftercare.

As already mentioned Ciaran is a keen competitive swimmer and with the help of his coach Andrew Bree he and his Bangor Swimming Club teammates became 14 and under Irish Champions in the 400m medley relay and also took a bronze in the 400m freestyle relay this Summer. He trains 10 hours a week. He has also been accepted onto the Swim Ulster Regional Coaching Group 2019-2020.

Aged 14 and a year 11 student at Bangor Grammar School, Ciaran is also a member of the schools swim team winning medals and cups in individual and team events. They are currently Ulster Junior Schools Champions. He has represented Ulster at the Interprovincial Championships.

Surgery will take place at the Comprehensive Spine Centre, Acibadem Maslak Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey under the care of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Alanay, one of the top spinal surgeons in the world.
It is most successful if done on a spine with skeletal immaturity and on curves less than 70°. Therefore time is of the essence and we aim to get a surgery date for next month to ensure we do not fall outside these parameters . A curve can progress very fast in a growing adolescent deeming him no longer suitable.

We as a family would be very grateful for
any donation however small and would love if you could share on your social networks.
This is our only opportunity for Ciaran to have a near normal functioning spine.