Children's Health Foundation

Together We Can for CHI Temple Street

Together We Can

Together We Can

My Story

Meet Kieran, a brave 9-year-old boy from Ballyfinnane. Kieran loves being outdoors on the farm and playing with his friends.  When Kieran was just 6, he began to have peculiar falls, occurring three times in a single week. Concerned, we took him to the doctor, leading to a series of investigations. It was then that we discovered Kieran had a brain tumour, and his falls were actually epileptic seizures. 

Shortly after this diagnosis, Kieran came under the care of Mr. Darrach Crimmins, a neurosurgeon at CHI Temple Street. A biopsy confirmed Kieran had a Pilocytic Astrocytoma. From that point on, Kieran was closely monitored with MRI scans every three months.

Just after his 8th birthday, we noticed Kieran was walking strangely and had stopped using his right hand. An emergency MRI revealed that his tumour had grown, causing paralysis on his right side. Kieran underwent emergency surgery to remove part of the tumour. However, due to the tumour's location, it was impossible to remove it completely without risking permanent damage to his motor function and sight on his right side. After surgery, Kieran faced a long road to recovery. During the rehabilitation phase, he had to relearn how to walk and complete everyday tasks. He worked incredibly hard and underwent extensive physical therapy to reach his current state.

Since then, Kieran has continued to be monitored with MRI scans every three months. In October, we received the distressing news that Kieran's tumour had grown back. Our surgeon informed us that Kieran could benefit from a new piece of surgical equipment that allows for keyhole surgery on the brain. This less invasive procedure would mean quicker recovery times and a reduced risk of infection, offering a significant advantage for Kieran and other children in similar situations.

We live in Ballyfinnane, a small rural community in Kerry with just one school, one community hall, and one pub, The Shanty Bar. Despite its size, our community is filled with heart, kindness, and togetherness like no other. When some community members learned of our situation, they wanted to help. Understanding the critical need for funds for the neurosurgery department at CHI Temple Street, we decided to organize a fundraiser: "Together We Can for CHI Temple Street."

Join Us on August 31st at The Shanty Bar for a Day of Fun and Giving!

• Event: Together We Can for CHI Temple Street

• Date: August 31st

• Location: The Shanty Bar, Ballyfinnane

• Activities: Pig on a spit, kids' activities during the day, music and bands throughout the day and night, raffles, and spot prizes.

Tickets can be purchased locally, and all proceeds will go to the Neurosurgery Department at CHI Temple Street.

As parents, the possibility of having something that can help our children through the toughest times is invaluable. Your support means the world to us and to many families facing similar battles. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Let’s come together and make this event a success for Kieran and all the children who need our help.

182%

Funded

  • Target
    €5,000
  • Raised so far
    €9,080
  • Number of donors
    174

My Story

Meet Kieran, a brave 9-year-old boy from Ballyfinnane. Kieran loves being outdoors on the farm and playing with his friends.  When Kieran was just 6, he began to have peculiar falls, occurring three times in a single week. Concerned, we took him to the doctor, leading to a series of investigations. It was then that we discovered Kieran had a brain tumour, and his falls were actually epileptic seizures. 

Shortly after this diagnosis, Kieran came under the care of Mr. Darrach Crimmins, a neurosurgeon at CHI Temple Street. A biopsy confirmed Kieran had a Pilocytic Astrocytoma. From that point on, Kieran was closely monitored with MRI scans every three months.

Just after his 8th birthday, we noticed Kieran was walking strangely and had stopped using his right hand. An emergency MRI revealed that his tumour had grown, causing paralysis on his right side. Kieran underwent emergency surgery to remove part of the tumour. However, due to the tumour's location, it was impossible to remove it completely without risking permanent damage to his motor function and sight on his right side. After surgery, Kieran faced a long road to recovery. During the rehabilitation phase, he had to relearn how to walk and complete everyday tasks. He worked incredibly hard and underwent extensive physical therapy to reach his current state.

Since then, Kieran has continued to be monitored with MRI scans every three months. In October, we received the distressing news that Kieran's tumour had grown back. Our surgeon informed us that Kieran could benefit from a new piece of surgical equipment that allows for keyhole surgery on the brain. This less invasive procedure would mean quicker recovery times and a reduced risk of infection, offering a significant advantage for Kieran and other children in similar situations.

We live in Ballyfinnane, a small rural community in Kerry with just one school, one community hall, and one pub, The Shanty Bar. Despite its size, our community is filled with heart, kindness, and togetherness like no other. When some community members learned of our situation, they wanted to help. Understanding the critical need for funds for the neurosurgery department at CHI Temple Street, we decided to organize a fundraiser: "Together We Can for CHI Temple Street."

Join Us on August 31st at The Shanty Bar for a Day of Fun and Giving!

• Event: Together We Can for CHI Temple Street

• Date: August 31st

• Location: The Shanty Bar, Ballyfinnane

• Activities: Pig on a spit, kids' activities during the day, music and bands throughout the day and night, raffles, and spot prizes.

Tickets can be purchased locally, and all proceeds will go to the Neurosurgery Department at CHI Temple Street.

As parents, the possibility of having something that can help our children through the toughest times is invaluable. Your support means the world to us and to many families facing similar battles. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Let’s come together and make this event a success for Kieran and all the children who need our help.