My name is Vincent Lang and, together with Mickey Tighe and Patrick Egan — two lifelong friends of Veronica's father, Shane Walsh — we are helping to raise funds in Ballina to support Veronica as she continues her courageous fight to walk again.

In January 2026, Veronica's life changed in an instant.

A healthy and active college student, Veronica suddenly developed severe back pain and lost feeling in her arms and legs. Doctors discovered a blood clot affecting her spinal cord, and she underwent emergency surgery. While the operation successfully relieved the pressure on her spinal cord, her road to recovery has been long, difficult, and ongoing.

Today, Veronica has regained the use of her hands and arms, a remarkable achievement in itself, but she is still unable to walk and faces many challenges in her daily life.

On 14 June 2026, Veronica was transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, one of the leading spinal cord rehabilitation centres in the United States. The intensive therapy she receives there gives her the best possible chance of regaining her mobility and independence. Every day matters, and every week of specialist rehabilitation brings renewed hope.

Unfortunately, the cost of this care is enormous. Veronica's insurance covered only a limited portion of her treatment, and the family has already exhausted their savings. Medical expenses and related costs have already exceeded $100,000, and a further $100,000 is needed to allow Veronica to continue receiving the specialist rehabilitation that offers her the greatest hope of recovery.

Veronica's father, Shane Walsh, was born and raised on Creggs Road in Ballina, Co. Mayo. Although he now lives in the United States, his roots remain firmly in Ballina, where many family members, friends, and neighbours continue to live. Shane's parents, who were well known in the community, both passed away in 2023, and the family suffered another heartbreaking loss when Shane's brother, Declan, passed away earlier this year.

At this difficult time, we are asking the people of Ballina and the wider community to rally behind Veronica and her family. Your support will not only help with the financial burden of rehabilitation, nursing care, transportation, accommodation, and essential living expenses, but it will also remind Veronica and Shane that they are not facing this journey alone.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing Veronica's story with others.

On behalf of Veronica, Shane, and their family, thank you sincerely for your kindness, generosity, and support.