Help Support Maeve, Trish (nee Kelly) and Gerard Through an Unimaginable Journey

My name is Cathriona Jones and I am appealing for your help for my friend Trish and her daughter Maeve.

Two weeks ago, 12-year-old Maeve was walking down Broadway in New York City with her parents, full of hope for her future. She had travelled from Castletown Kinneigh, Enniskeane, Ireland to undergo surgery for severe scoliosis and due to long wait list in Ireland the family were advised to travel to the U.S. Without this surgery Maeve was facing a future of excruciating pain and many other complications which could eventually be fatal. Maeve's parents couldn't let this happen.

The life-changing procedure was meant to improve Maeve's mobility and give her the best chance of a pain free future. No one could have imagined or anticipated how quickly everything would change.

Two days after her surgery, Maeve suffered a devastating stroke — an event so rare it was considered less than a 1% chance. Maeve is now in intensive care. She can no longer walk.

What was meant to be a hopeful trip has turned into every parent’s nightmare.

Maeve now requires long-term, specialised rehabilitation in New York. Her recovery will be long and uncertain, but her spirit and determination– and the love surrounding her – is strong.

Her parents are by her side 24/7. Her mother, Trish a dedicated primary teacher, is now without the capacity to earn a wage. Her father, who is self-employed, is unable to work from New York as his presence is also necessary to support Maeve to thrive again.

Trish and Gerard are facing the staggering costs of a long term stay in America to ensure the ongoing care that Maeve desperately needs – all while being thousands of miles from home and without any support network in the U.S.

We are rallying around Maeve and her family to ease the financial burden they are now carrying. The next 3 to 6 months will be critical – and unimaginably hard – but we can lighten their load together.

Every contribution, no matter how small will make a tangible difference. If you are unable to give, sharing this appeal can also help more than you know.

Maeve’s courage, and her family’s love, devotion and determination is inspiring – even in the face of heartbreak.

With deepest gratitude,

Cathriona Jones

On behalf of Maeve, Patricia and Gerard O' Mahony