Help Pelin Fight MND

Our dear friend Pelin Onarli Kelleher, mom to two beautiful daughters under 16 and the sweetest, most kindly lady anyone could ever hope to meet, was recently diagnosed with ALS (Motor Neurone Disease). As her friends, together with her family, we have been fundraising tirelessly for the past year to avail Pelin of the best medical care and equipment that she needs to fight this horrible disease. To date we have raised more than 46000 US dollars which has been used in its entireity to allow Pelin access new and very costly ALS therapies not covered by her family health insurance plan.

Pelin’s needs have become more complex in recent times. Pelin’s vocal chords are now severely compromised by the disease. We therefore seek to raise additional funds so Pelin may retain the ability to speak to her family and friends by means of an electronic device called a Dynavox TD Pilot. This will not only give Pelin a new voice, but also the ability to use social media and email, something which she has not been able to do independently for some considerable time. The cost of the device and a basic suite of peripheral equipment is approximately 16,000 US dollars. Pelin also needs various items of specialist medical equipment and ongoing therapies with a combined value in excess of 40,000 US dollars.

A donation to this campaign will give some light to Pelin in a dark moment, and allow her to once again interact with her friends and family. Funds raised that exceed the value of the electronic device will be used to purchase a wide range and large amount of medical equipment, including, but not limited to mobility aids, physical therapy aids, specialist physical and occupational therapy sessions and specialist medications and supplements not covered by Pelin’s family health insurance plan. The children and Pelin will further benefit from counselling and pastoral care services specifically tailored for young families dealing with and managing serious illness such as ALS/MND.