Sullivan’s Journey to Recovery

Sullivan Patrick O’Brien was born on the 8th of December 1998.

he enjoys cricket, history, AC/DC, the footy (obviously), Mrs browns boys, playing the drums, life of Brian and having a beer with his team mates at the local pub.

As many of you may know, Sullivan began his health journey at the young age of two.

in 2000 Sullivan was diagnosed with hearing impairment, and began wearing hearing aids at the age of two.

in 2001, Sullivan was receiving treatment for hydrocephalus. A build-up of fluid in the cavities deep within the brain that puts pressure on the brain and can cause brain damage. An LP shunt was administered.

in 2002, Sullivan was diagnosed with kidney failure and began dialysis at Westmead children’s hospital before receiving his mums kidney at the age of six 2005.

in 2012, Sullivan was admitted to ICU having chronic seizures due to an infection after the removal of the LP shunt.

in 2014, Sullivan was diagnosed with chiari malformation. A condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal that’s present at birth.

This diagnosis caused Sullivan to experience migraines, constant neck pain, vertigo and seizures. This diagnosis resulted in the insertion of a ventricular shunt and partial removal of his brain.

in 2015, Sullivan was diagnosed with a tarsal coalition which is an abnormal connection of two or more bones in the foot resulting in surgery and him being in casts for 8 weeks.

at the beginning of this year, 2021, Sullivan’s kidney that his mum donated in 2005, began to fail. Sullivan began dialysis, and new anti-rejection medication to save the kidney but unfortunately the kidney had had its day. This resulted in Sullivan’s blood pressure sky rocketing. Sullivan then had surgery to remove the kidney. 

sullivan recovered from this just in time for his sisters 20th birthday in which the family went and watched the footy and went out for Thai. He began dialysis again every second day at royal north shore hospital.

a week after celebrating his recovery and his sisters birthday he was readmitted to ICU at RNSH following an episode of seizures. Since then Sullivan has been unconscious and unable to wake up.

Astoundingly, Sullivan has always recovered from everything that life throws at him. He is the bravest most strong person I know. And we hope and pray he will recover from this stepping stone in his journey to good health.

After his recovery from this he will receive a second doner kidney from his dad. 

not only is this page to raise funds for Sullivan’s health and his family, but it is to raise awareness of the significance of the invisible disability. Although Sullivan went through mainstream schooling, completed his ROSA, enjoys all the things many of us do, his disability and poor health is invisible when you’re having a conversation with him. Not everyone speaks out about the circumstances of their health, especially Sullivan because to him “there’s nothing wrong with him and he’s perfectly fine!”

unfortunately he is not fine this time and we need your help. with both parents unable to work full time due to covid, and Sullivan’s poor health, life is becoming more difficult. 

At the young age of 22 he should not have faced this much trauma in his life. Any funds made from this will go towards his recovery and his bright exciting amazing life moving forward. 

we thank you for your time just for reading this post and thank you for all your kind wishes sent our way.

The OBrien clan xo