A local young girl Ellie Boyhan (3) and her family have received huge support from the business community in Carrigaline as well as the general public locally in recent days.
Ellie, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, must have vital surgery in the U.S in September and her family recently set up a GoFundMe fundraiser ‘Ellie’s Dream To Dance’, to meet the significant costs involved of €100,000.
Currently, Ellie cannot stand or walk independently. Her family say, “We recently received fantastic news that Ellie has been accepted by a world renowned surgeon Dr. T. S. Park to go to St Louis Children's Hospital in the U.S. for life changing surgery called SDR (Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy). Dr Parks believes that with this surgery, along with three years of intensive post operative therapy, and hard work, Ellie will walk unassisted and live life pain free”.
“The sooner Ellie receives the surgery before the age of 5, the better the prognosis for her. We cannot believe that we been given a date of 22nd September 2020! Sooner than we could ever have imagined or hoped for! We must pay for the surgery, postoperative therapy and equipment in advance and will have to privately fund three years of private intensive therapy both at home and abroad. All funds raised will be placed in a designated bank account for Ellie and proceeds will be used to fund SDR surgery, equipment, travel, accommodation, rehab and private physiotherapy which will be needed for three years post SDR.”
Ellie’s mum Amy, speaking on behalf of the family has thanked all who have donated so far, including the many local businesses. “In a week when we have lost “Mr Community”, Barry Collins, Carrigaline has rallied around us with phenomenal support & kindness.”
Fundraisers & support are listed below:
Fundraisers in process:
-Carrigaline Gymnastics Club: 10 jumping jack challenge for families in the club.
- Crowleys Opticians: They will be donating all funds raised from glasses repairs in July & August to Ellie’s campaign.
-Cakeland by Anita: cupcake sale on Tuesday sold out
-Hair Aims Hairdresser: collection bucket & raffle
Offers of support and fundraisers currently being organised with:
Aaron Lynch Photography
O’Connaill Chocolates
Full O’Beans coffee Co.
Zumba with Yvonne Kelly
Completed At Weekend:
SuperValu: Jersey day bucket collection
Carpe Diem: Coffee day - €900 raised
Donations:
Smilers Takeaway
Michael Piggott Auctioneers
Phelan’s Pharmacy
Beautique Beauty Salon
Fleury Engineering
VIP Hair Salon
Kusadasi Barbers
Hair Aims Hair Salon
Amy says, “How amazing is that list?! Just so much support. All continuing support appreciated & hoping more additional businesses get involved.
We appreciate their kindness, generosity & support. It will never be forgotten. I just want everyone to appreciate all the businesses that we have locally who genuinely need our support at the moment and without which will struggle so shop local, support local & help Carrigaline to thrive”
To donate, search ‘Ellie’s Dream To Dance’ on GoFundMe.
At the time of going to print on Tuesday, July 14th, the fund was standing at almost €90,000, just €10,000 shy of the target.
Now, on Saturday July 18th, the fund stands at over €96,000, leaving just €4000 to go to reach the target.