Help Jason Kenna's Rehabilitation
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My name is Colin Farrell. I am Originally from Co. Longford, Son of Padraig & Norleen Farrell brother of Grace, Maruna and Lillian from Lisduff, Longford. I have created this Go Fund Me to help support my Brother-in-law Jason Kenna, His wife Lillian and two sons Ryan (18) and Roman (11).
On Friday the 26th of October 2018 Jason suffered a life changing stroke at the age of just 48 years old. He was diagnosed with having a Basilar Artery Occlusion causing a significant clot causing a cerebellum stroke on both sides of his brain. Jason incurred further serious medical issues as a direct result of the stroke, requiring intensive care treatment. He was not given a successful prognosis and had two near death experiences whilst in intensive care in Beaumont Hospital. Dublin. Jason’s family, his wife and two young boys were told to prepare themselves to say goodbye to their father. His determination and outright love for his family and his incredulous positivity pulled him through what were the darkest hours for the Kenna family.
Due to the nature of Jason’s stroke in the Cerebellum region and medical complications he experienced, he has suffered significant balance issues. His brain stem was also compromised resulting in swallow difficulties and lung issues amongst others. Jason was halted in his rehabilitation whilst in the National Rehabilitation hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin because of additional complications requiring further intensive care treatment; this significantly delayed Jason’s in his treatment and he regressed in any progress he had made prior to his in patient stay in St. Vincent’s hospital.
After approximately ten months in various hospitals in Dublin and their home county of Co. Wexford; Beaumont Hospital Dublin, Wexford General Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Jason returned home to his family on the 8th of August 2019 and he commenced his rehabilitation with the aid of local health care providers. His progress was and is slow and steady however COVID-19 and the inability to access services has been detrimental to Jason’s treatment. As you can appreciate, Jason requires extensive Rehabilitation including Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy to assist him with walking, balance, and coordination. As Jason’s speech is slurred as a direct symptom of his brain injury, he will require intense specialized speech therapy for Cerebellum stroke victims. Jason’s Goal is to Attend Physiotherapy & speech therapy four times a week for the next two years, with the hope of getting his life back. He has fought so very hard against all adversity and we know this is due to his family.
Jason deserves to be able to get back to some degree of independence so that he can once again enjoy life, doing the simple mundane tasks. Jason trained and studied for three years to become an Audiologist; he was scheduled to graduate from college just two days after he suffered this life changing stroke. As any young man, Jason is determined to get back to work to provide for his family and anybody who knows him will tell you how positive he is. His positivity never waivers nor does his outright belief that he will walk again and live the life that he fought so hard for.
Currently Jason’s wife Lillian is his full-time career and is determined to help him through this recovery process. We are asking for help to cover the cost of his Physiotherapy l and speech therapy. We have two specialists ready to assist Jason with this monumental effort.
Any donation to this cause is possibly life changing for Jason and his family. I have set out Jason’s story for you below if you would like to take the time to read it. I will update everybody on Jason’s progress and his treatment plan and any donation big or small is greatly received.
On New Year’s Eve 2020 Jason, his wife, his two boys and his extended family made a wish and placed their intentions in a bottle. I did not need to ask them what they all wished for and I hope by facilitating this treatment we can make these wishes come true.
Thank you to everybody for your attention.
Colin.
Jason’s Story
Jason’s life changed significantly on the morning of Friday the 26th of Octobers 2018. He woke for work as usual, arose to dress himself for what would have been another day at work as an Audiologist, he felt dizzy, speech began to slur and within minutes everything changed. Thankfully, Lillian, his wife acted with a degree of urgency and called 999. Jason was transported to Wexford General Hospital and administered clot busting medication (TPA), this quick action effectively saved Jason’s life. He was diagnosed with having suffered a Basilar Artery Occlusion which caused him to stroke his cerebellum on both sides of his brain. Jason’s speech and balance were instantly affected by this type of stroke.
Following this diagnosis Jason was immediately referred to the Neurological department in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and was admitted to a stroke ward. We were informed by the stroke specialists that stroke has a cycle of events and pressure on the brain is a possible event that we should expect. Thankfully, Jason was in the very best hospital and under the care of a fantastic team of doctors and consultants. Two days later, Jason’s condition deteriorated dramatically. Lillian received a phone call that Jason was disorientated and displaying symptoms indicative of pressure caused by fluid on the brain in the Cerebellum region. As shocking as this may sound to most, as indeed it did to us as a family; Cranial pressure is part and parcel of a stroke as the doctors had informed us. A somewhat routine cranial procedure was due to be performed which as the neurosurgeons had described, a tube would be inserted in his cranium, this fluid would be drained, and the pressure would be relieved.
Later that evening Jason was transferred to theatre and the anesthetist proceeded to intubate him for the procedure. In the process, Jason vomited a significant amount of blood and bile from his stomach which aspirated into his lungs. The anesthetists had a difficult two hours trying to suction his lungs. His oxygen levels dropped dangerously low to 10% oxygen and they were regrettably unable to proceed with the procedure. Jason was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit, placed on a ventilator whilst they continued to drain his lungs and aid them to heal. The pressure on his brain continued to increase and the consultants were very concerned. We were informed that If the pressure continued, his brain stem which controls all motor function could become compressed resulting in Jason requiring full assisted treatment for life with his breathing, tube feeding and or worst-case scenario he could die. The most devastating news we could hear.
Jason remained in a critical condition throughout and a second CT scan was conducted three days later, which as we feared showed that the cranial pressure was increasing. Jason had pneumonia and a significant amount of fluid on his lungs. The surgeons and consultants knew they had to try the cranial procedure again, for as we were informed if they do not release the pressure he will die and if they proceed with the procedure and he aspirates again he could die. There was no other choice but to proceed as we had to fight as did Jason.
A second attempt was made, and Jason was again intubated for the procedure and once again he began to aspirate, and his stats dropped rapidly. The team of anesthetists returned to the family room a short time later and informed us of their unsuccessful second attempt. Jason began to smother in his own fluid, he required suctioning of his lungs again and they thankfully managed to return him to a somewhat stable condition. The consultants further informed us that based on the previous two attempts it will be far too dangerous to intubate Jason due to his impaired lungs. We did not think things could get any worse. All we could do now was hope and pray. The medical team spoke to the family and told us that we needed to prepare ourselves to say goodbye. Jason was not promised tomorrow or even the next hour at that point. On Halloween night when all children should be out trick or treating, Jason’s two sons then 15 and 9 years old prepared to see their daddy in intensive care for the first time to say their goodbyes. A photograph of Jason, Lillian and his boys sat over his bed. When his boys arrived, Jason’s eyes creeped open and he squeezed their hands. We urged him to fight for his boys and for their future life as a family however we afforded him peace to let go If that is what he chose to do. Jason chose to fight and that he did.
Jason made it through the night, and we received our first glimmer of hope. The stroke consultant informed the family that it had been five days since the pressure began and sometimes the pressure can stop increasing on day five and potentially subside. However, the next day we were informed that the pressure did not subside. The team had decided that given Jason’s young age, they needed to try the procedure again and hope that his lungs had improved enough to allow intubation to be successful. Jason was wheeled to theatre and our family waited and prayed. The team prepared us that Jason would be in a coma for five days post procedure if he pulls through and the bone at the back of Jason’s skull would have to be removed, a procedure known as a craniotomy. They mentioned this bone can be inserted into his stomach and harvested there if they need to replace the bone at a later day, an option that Jason did not need to avail of. A team of doctors, anesthetists and consultants arrived at intensive care to wheel him down to theatre. They allowed my sisters Lillian and Grace to remain with him until the very end, a very finite and painful moment. At approximately 8pm that evening Jason was wheeled back to the intensive care unit by only one porter, such a contrasting image from a few hours previous. The family finally exhaled, took a breath, and hoped for good news.
Jason improved dramatically despite the extent of his condition and one week later he was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit and he returned to the ward. Jason was discharged from Beaumont hospital three weeks later and sent to Wexford General Hospital for further medical care and then onto St. John’s Hospital in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford where he commenced Physiotherapy, Speech & Occupational Therapy. Jason continued his rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire where he remained for approximately twelve weeks. Jason was receiving intense physiotherapy, water & music therapy, Occupational & Speech Therapy which he thoroughly enjoyed. As a result of the stroke Jason suffers with severe balance issues and must learn to walk, talk, and do all the simple daily tasks such as holding a knife and fork, writing his name, and improving his slurred speech. He must effectively learn to do everything again, all the simple tasks that we take for granted.
Jason was making great progress in the NRH when he suddenly became very ill and was transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin Emergency Department. Jason’s lungs were collapsing, and he was transferred again to the Intensive Care Unit; our hearts sank. Jason was placed on a ventilator and we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst. Jason the ultimate fighter that he is, pulled through and after almost one month in St. Vincent’s hospital he was transferred back to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire. Jason was extremely weak; he was tube fed and any progress he had made in his rehabilitation was significantly set back. This was a very difficult situation for Jason to deal with as apparently the six months of rehabilitation post stroke are very important for the patient in allowing them to make solid lasting and sustainable progress.
At present Jason is trying his very best to regain his mobility. He takes it day by day, with effort and dedication however he has huge challenges ahead both physically and mentally, challenges that we hope can be assisted with your gracious help.
I know Jason, Lillian, Ryan and Roman are forever grateful.
On Friday the 26th of October 2018 Jason suffered a life changing stroke at the age of just 48 years old. He was diagnosed with having a Basilar Artery Occlusion causing a significant clot causing a cerebellum stroke on both sides of his brain. Jason incurred further serious medical issues as a direct result of the stroke, requiring intensive care treatment. He was not given a successful prognosis and had two near death experiences whilst in intensive care in Beaumont Hospital. Dublin. Jason’s family, his wife and two young boys were told to prepare themselves to say goodbye to their father. His determination and outright love for his family and his incredulous positivity pulled him through what were the darkest hours for the Kenna family.
Due to the nature of Jason’s stroke in the Cerebellum region and medical complications he experienced, he has suffered significant balance issues. His brain stem was also compromised resulting in swallow difficulties and lung issues amongst others. Jason was halted in his rehabilitation whilst in the National Rehabilitation hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin because of additional complications requiring further intensive care treatment; this significantly delayed Jason’s in his treatment and he regressed in any progress he had made prior to his in patient stay in St. Vincent’s hospital.
After approximately ten months in various hospitals in Dublin and their home county of Co. Wexford; Beaumont Hospital Dublin, Wexford General Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, St. John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Jason returned home to his family on the 8th of August 2019 and he commenced his rehabilitation with the aid of local health care providers. His progress was and is slow and steady however COVID-19 and the inability to access services has been detrimental to Jason’s treatment. As you can appreciate, Jason requires extensive Rehabilitation including Physiotherapy and Speech Therapy to assist him with walking, balance, and coordination. As Jason’s speech is slurred as a direct symptom of his brain injury, he will require intense specialized speech therapy for Cerebellum stroke victims. Jason’s Goal is to Attend Physiotherapy & speech therapy four times a week for the next two years, with the hope of getting his life back. He has fought so very hard against all adversity and we know this is due to his family.
Jason deserves to be able to get back to some degree of independence so that he can once again enjoy life, doing the simple mundane tasks. Jason trained and studied for three years to become an Audiologist; he was scheduled to graduate from college just two days after he suffered this life changing stroke. As any young man, Jason is determined to get back to work to provide for his family and anybody who knows him will tell you how positive he is. His positivity never waivers nor does his outright belief that he will walk again and live the life that he fought so hard for.
Currently Jason’s wife Lillian is his full-time career and is determined to help him through this recovery process. We are asking for help to cover the cost of his Physiotherapy l and speech therapy. We have two specialists ready to assist Jason with this monumental effort.
Any donation to this cause is possibly life changing for Jason and his family. I have set out Jason’s story for you below if you would like to take the time to read it. I will update everybody on Jason’s progress and his treatment plan and any donation big or small is greatly received.
On New Year’s Eve 2020 Jason, his wife, his two boys and his extended family made a wish and placed their intentions in a bottle. I did not need to ask them what they all wished for and I hope by facilitating this treatment we can make these wishes come true.
Thank you to everybody for your attention.
Colin.
Jason’s Story
Jason’s life changed significantly on the morning of Friday the 26th of Octobers 2018. He woke for work as usual, arose to dress himself for what would have been another day at work as an Audiologist, he felt dizzy, speech began to slur and within minutes everything changed. Thankfully, Lillian, his wife acted with a degree of urgency and called 999. Jason was transported to Wexford General Hospital and administered clot busting medication (TPA), this quick action effectively saved Jason’s life. He was diagnosed with having suffered a Basilar Artery Occlusion which caused him to stroke his cerebellum on both sides of his brain. Jason’s speech and balance were instantly affected by this type of stroke.
Following this diagnosis Jason was immediately referred to the Neurological department in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin and was admitted to a stroke ward. We were informed by the stroke specialists that stroke has a cycle of events and pressure on the brain is a possible event that we should expect. Thankfully, Jason was in the very best hospital and under the care of a fantastic team of doctors and consultants. Two days later, Jason’s condition deteriorated dramatically. Lillian received a phone call that Jason was disorientated and displaying symptoms indicative of pressure caused by fluid on the brain in the Cerebellum region. As shocking as this may sound to most, as indeed it did to us as a family; Cranial pressure is part and parcel of a stroke as the doctors had informed us. A somewhat routine cranial procedure was due to be performed which as the neurosurgeons had described, a tube would be inserted in his cranium, this fluid would be drained, and the pressure would be relieved.
Later that evening Jason was transferred to theatre and the anesthetist proceeded to intubate him for the procedure. In the process, Jason vomited a significant amount of blood and bile from his stomach which aspirated into his lungs. The anesthetists had a difficult two hours trying to suction his lungs. His oxygen levels dropped dangerously low to 10% oxygen and they were regrettably unable to proceed with the procedure. Jason was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit, placed on a ventilator whilst they continued to drain his lungs and aid them to heal. The pressure on his brain continued to increase and the consultants were very concerned. We were informed that If the pressure continued, his brain stem which controls all motor function could become compressed resulting in Jason requiring full assisted treatment for life with his breathing, tube feeding and or worst-case scenario he could die. The most devastating news we could hear.
Jason remained in a critical condition throughout and a second CT scan was conducted three days later, which as we feared showed that the cranial pressure was increasing. Jason had pneumonia and a significant amount of fluid on his lungs. The surgeons and consultants knew they had to try the cranial procedure again, for as we were informed if they do not release the pressure he will die and if they proceed with the procedure and he aspirates again he could die. There was no other choice but to proceed as we had to fight as did Jason.
A second attempt was made, and Jason was again intubated for the procedure and once again he began to aspirate, and his stats dropped rapidly. The team of anesthetists returned to the family room a short time later and informed us of their unsuccessful second attempt. Jason began to smother in his own fluid, he required suctioning of his lungs again and they thankfully managed to return him to a somewhat stable condition. The consultants further informed us that based on the previous two attempts it will be far too dangerous to intubate Jason due to his impaired lungs. We did not think things could get any worse. All we could do now was hope and pray. The medical team spoke to the family and told us that we needed to prepare ourselves to say goodbye. Jason was not promised tomorrow or even the next hour at that point. On Halloween night when all children should be out trick or treating, Jason’s two sons then 15 and 9 years old prepared to see their daddy in intensive care for the first time to say their goodbyes. A photograph of Jason, Lillian and his boys sat over his bed. When his boys arrived, Jason’s eyes creeped open and he squeezed their hands. We urged him to fight for his boys and for their future life as a family however we afforded him peace to let go If that is what he chose to do. Jason chose to fight and that he did.
Jason made it through the night, and we received our first glimmer of hope. The stroke consultant informed the family that it had been five days since the pressure began and sometimes the pressure can stop increasing on day five and potentially subside. However, the next day we were informed that the pressure did not subside. The team had decided that given Jason’s young age, they needed to try the procedure again and hope that his lungs had improved enough to allow intubation to be successful. Jason was wheeled to theatre and our family waited and prayed. The team prepared us that Jason would be in a coma for five days post procedure if he pulls through and the bone at the back of Jason’s skull would have to be removed, a procedure known as a craniotomy. They mentioned this bone can be inserted into his stomach and harvested there if they need to replace the bone at a later day, an option that Jason did not need to avail of. A team of doctors, anesthetists and consultants arrived at intensive care to wheel him down to theatre. They allowed my sisters Lillian and Grace to remain with him until the very end, a very finite and painful moment. At approximately 8pm that evening Jason was wheeled back to the intensive care unit by only one porter, such a contrasting image from a few hours previous. The family finally exhaled, took a breath, and hoped for good news.
Jason improved dramatically despite the extent of his condition and one week later he was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit and he returned to the ward. Jason was discharged from Beaumont hospital three weeks later and sent to Wexford General Hospital for further medical care and then onto St. John’s Hospital in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford where he commenced Physiotherapy, Speech & Occupational Therapy. Jason continued his rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRH) in Dún Laoghaire where he remained for approximately twelve weeks. Jason was receiving intense physiotherapy, water & music therapy, Occupational & Speech Therapy which he thoroughly enjoyed. As a result of the stroke Jason suffers with severe balance issues and must learn to walk, talk, and do all the simple daily tasks such as holding a knife and fork, writing his name, and improving his slurred speech. He must effectively learn to do everything again, all the simple tasks that we take for granted.
Jason was making great progress in the NRH when he suddenly became very ill and was transferred to St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin Emergency Department. Jason’s lungs were collapsing, and he was transferred again to the Intensive Care Unit; our hearts sank. Jason was placed on a ventilator and we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst. Jason the ultimate fighter that he is, pulled through and after almost one month in St. Vincent’s hospital he was transferred back to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire. Jason was extremely weak; he was tube fed and any progress he had made in his rehabilitation was significantly set back. This was a very difficult situation for Jason to deal with as apparently the six months of rehabilitation post stroke are very important for the patient in allowing them to make solid lasting and sustainable progress.
At present Jason is trying his very best to regain his mobility. He takes it day by day, with effort and dedication however he has huge challenges ahead both physically and mentally, challenges that we hope can be assisted with your gracious help.
I know Jason, Lillian, Ryan and Roman are forever grateful.
Organizer and beneficiary
Colin Farrell
Organizer
County Longford
Jason Kenna
Beneficiary
