A fundraising campaign called "Noah's Wish to Walk", has been launched to raise EUR 100,000 for life changing surgery for a life loving 4 year old Waterford boy Noah O'Sullivan.
Noah was born at just 29 weeks. At just 13 days old he was transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital having suffered two brain bleeds, hydrocephalus and meningitis. He was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy at 18 months old, as a result of these early conditions. Cerebral Palsy affects Noah in that he cannot stand or walk safely without support, as his body is in a constant battle against him, forcing him into an extreme tip-toe position every time he tries to use his legs. He cannot sit freely or comfortably without a chair. He has poor balance and finds it difficult to transition from one position to another. All of these simple movements are a major challenge to Noah.
Noah has attended physio since he was just 4 weeks old (long before he was even due to be born!!). He works through gruelling physio sessions every single day and continues to improve all the time. He is a determined little boy who works so hard, but to achieve control over his movements and progress to the next level, he needs surgery to eliminate the spasticity which dominates his body.
This surgery will allow him so much more than the ability to walk - he will be able to stand, interact with his peers at their eye level, learn to become independent, and most importantly live a life without the pain of muscle spasms.
Noah is a fun loving little boy and would love the chance to run, jump and play with his little brother and friends.
This is that chance!