'In a Pickle'
Donation protected
This campaign is to raise funds for Kathy O’Leary, to enable her to purchase a new wheelchair which can cost up to €6,000 delivery not included, a Smart drive power assist and the remainder will be used to get her specialist treatment to help her manage the pain and anxiety.
Originally from Drimoleague, West Cork, Ireland. Kathy now lives in the NorthWest. Kathy has been struggling for over ten years with a spinal injury, fibromyalgia and PTSD following a car crash.
In December 2017 she was given a late diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder, F.N.D. an acquired brain injury from trauma causing pain, depression, non-epleptic seizures and Myoclonus-dystonia, speech, co-ordination balance difficulties and many other symptoms. More research is now needed to find the most suitable mobility aids to support her.
Whilst these problems have done nothing to make her star shine less brightly, it has meant that a situation has arisen that she cannot deal with on her own.
For those of us that are lucky enough to know Kathy, we recognise her as a truly lovely and talented lady, with a large heart and a quick wit. She is great at supporting friends and anyone in need but now finds herself in a position where she is the one who needs to ask for help.
She is now on M.S. baclofen medication to add to the list which is hasn't been easy to adapt to. While it definitely helps with her non- epleptic seizures there are side-effects to get used to like low moods, brain fog and shakes. Unfortunately the degenerative nature of Kathy’s condition means more pain and more symptoms to deal with on a daily basis.
Her custom-made wheelchair is now over 5 years old, and has suffered a flat tyre twice in the space of two weeks. Now Kathy needs a wheelchair to supprt her upper spine as degeneration has begun on C6 & C7 causing further pain in her neck. It’s vital that Kathy can get in and out of the car herself to keep her independence.
The HSE are being less than helpful. Kathy has heard back from them whilst they are on annual leave, and despite repeated requests they are ignoring Kathy’s plight. So let’s help Kathy get mobile again. Please give however much you can afford towards this campaign. Let’s show the HSE the true meaning of the word ‘community’ and sort this problem for Kathy ourselves!
A sincere thank you goes to;
Theresa Hart for the initial suggestion of the Fund and Philippa Gossage for their love and support throughout the years.
Lesley Mariotti for setting up the Fund.
A big thank you for the sponsorship from Durrus Charity Shop, West Cork.
Caoimhe Pendred, Miranda Daly, Jo Killeen. Event Management, PR.
Marie Cullen and Pol O'Colmain from Working Artists Studios.
Eileen Connolly of Connollys of Leap.
All that attended the 'Electric Pickle ' event.
Barbara Smith, Wheelchair Researcher.
Tom Doig, Graphics.
Luisa McCarthy. Fundraising.
Elaine Reynolds, videographer.
Everyone who has donated.
Everyone else who has shared and liked the
'In A Pickle' facebook page.
THANK YOU in advance from Kathy, if anyone would like to purchase some prints in exchange for a donation she will be happy to oblige. You can check out some of Kathy’s amazing artwork here:
Kathleen O' Leary - Artwork
'Urban context' Second Sight | Site Photograph by Lucy Estrada
Originally from Drimoleague, West Cork, Ireland. Kathy now lives in the NorthWest. Kathy has been struggling for over ten years with a spinal injury, fibromyalgia and PTSD following a car crash.
In December 2017 she was given a late diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder, F.N.D. an acquired brain injury from trauma causing pain, depression, non-epleptic seizures and Myoclonus-dystonia, speech, co-ordination balance difficulties and many other symptoms. More research is now needed to find the most suitable mobility aids to support her.
Whilst these problems have done nothing to make her star shine less brightly, it has meant that a situation has arisen that she cannot deal with on her own.
For those of us that are lucky enough to know Kathy, we recognise her as a truly lovely and talented lady, with a large heart and a quick wit. She is great at supporting friends and anyone in need but now finds herself in a position where she is the one who needs to ask for help.
She is now on M.S. baclofen medication to add to the list which is hasn't been easy to adapt to. While it definitely helps with her non- epleptic seizures there are side-effects to get used to like low moods, brain fog and shakes. Unfortunately the degenerative nature of Kathy’s condition means more pain and more symptoms to deal with on a daily basis.
Her custom-made wheelchair is now over 5 years old, and has suffered a flat tyre twice in the space of two weeks. Now Kathy needs a wheelchair to supprt her upper spine as degeneration has begun on C6 & C7 causing further pain in her neck. It’s vital that Kathy can get in and out of the car herself to keep her independence.
The HSE are being less than helpful. Kathy has heard back from them whilst they are on annual leave, and despite repeated requests they are ignoring Kathy’s plight. So let’s help Kathy get mobile again. Please give however much you can afford towards this campaign. Let’s show the HSE the true meaning of the word ‘community’ and sort this problem for Kathy ourselves!
A sincere thank you goes to;
Theresa Hart for the initial suggestion of the Fund and Philippa Gossage for their love and support throughout the years.
Lesley Mariotti for setting up the Fund.
A big thank you for the sponsorship from Durrus Charity Shop, West Cork.
Caoimhe Pendred, Miranda Daly, Jo Killeen. Event Management, PR.
Marie Cullen and Pol O'Colmain from Working Artists Studios.
Eileen Connolly of Connollys of Leap.
All that attended the 'Electric Pickle ' event.
Barbara Smith, Wheelchair Researcher.
Tom Doig, Graphics.
Luisa McCarthy. Fundraising.
Elaine Reynolds, videographer.
Everyone who has donated.
Everyone else who has shared and liked the
'In A Pickle' facebook page.
THANK YOU in advance from Kathy, if anyone would like to purchase some prints in exchange for a donation she will be happy to oblige. You can check out some of Kathy’s amazing artwork here:
Kathleen O' Leary - Artwork
'Urban context' Second Sight | Site Photograph by Lucy Estrada
Organizer
Lesley Tansey
Organizer
