This is a GoFundMe campaign for Ruaidhri o'Shea, or Roo for short. For the past eight years, Roo has been struggling with severe back issues. However, over the last few months, things have taken a critical turn. Roo's condition has debilitated severely and has led to a prolapsed disc in his spine that is putting immense pressure on his sciatic nerve, causing unbearable pain. As of this writing Roo is unable to walk, sit or even lie down due to the pain. This campaign aims to raise 25,000 Euros to help Roo get the life-changing surgery he desperately needs to reclaim his quality of life.

Background: Roo has been struggling with Back problems for some time but has, up until this point, managed them privately. Earlier this year his back began to hurt him more and more, simple tasks became difficult and he has struggled to bounce back from the chronic pain this has caused him. At this point the simplest tasks like sitting or standing have become excruciatingly difficult and met with agonising pain. Roo's mobility has also been taken away, leaving him unable to walk.

Things took a turn for the worse when on the night of October 14, 2023, Roo was rushed to the hospital, unable to bear the pain any longer. Following this, on October 17, 2023, he had an MRI which revealed that Roo had a prolapsed disc that was crushing his sciatic nerve. He was diagnosed with an urgent need for surgery. Roo was presented with two options - 1) Public Care. While public care is an option, it comes with a massive drawback: a daunting three-year waiting list for the surgery that Roo needs now. 2) Private Care. While private surgery is available much sooner than the public surgery it comes with a hefty price tag of 25,000 Euros. Roo has alreaady cleared out his entire savings and taken out a loan to pay for his own medical costs up to this point. He is unable to borrow any more money and finds himself in a situation where he needs to raise funds to meet the steep costs of medical care he really needs.

Now, let us tell you a bit about Roo. If you are part of The Super Smash Bros Melee community, particularly in Europe, then Roo really needs no introduction. He's a genuinely kind and warm-hearted individual, setting only the very highest standards for friendship. His nature has touched the lives of many, and his impact on the local scene of Smash Ireland goes even further. As a vital organizer for tournaments, Roo has left a lasting mark on the European melee scene. His tournaments are more than just competitions - they're inclusive gatherings where everyone feels welcome. Roo lives by the simple belief that "If one person has a bad time at my tournament, I've failed."

Today, we find ourselves at a crucial moment in Roo's journey, facing his greatest challenge yet. Together, we can help him regain his mobility, ease his pain, and allow him to reclaim his life. If there's one thing that's been true in all the years we've known Roo - it's that he has had the scene's back. And it's time for everyone to step up and get Roo's back.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us a step closer to Roo's recovery and demonstrates the power of community and compassion. Join us in this effort to give Roo the opportunity to thrive once more. #WeGotRoosBack

Please consider contributing and sharing this campaign to make a real difference in Roo's life. Thank you for your support.