Councils join forces in quest to help Kevin to walk
Kevin Mulcahy, an employee of Limerick County Council, learned of the procedure on the internet and went to New York for evaluation last February.
Kevin, 34, said: “I keep up to date with new developments in the treatment of cerebral palsy and found out about this surgery which is available in the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.
“I went over to New York and was evaluated by a surgeon, David Scher who specialises in cerebral palsy. He said he could help me walk as I would benefit from the removal of soft tissue, lengthening of hamstrings and hip flexor lengthening.”
Kevin, who lives in Parteen with his parents said the surgery would be very extensive and would necessitate two days stay in the hospital and a further ten weeks of rehabilitation in the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in New York.
Surgery would cost $60,000 and the rehab a further $100,000.
Kevin said: “The $60,000 has to be paid in advance and I cannot get private health insurance. I have contacted Mary Harney to see if the Health Service Executive or the Department of Health can assist me with the costs.”
Limerick County and City Council staff members have joined forces in a major fund raising campaign.
The chairperson of Limerick County Council, Cllr Brigid Teefy, will launch Kevin’s fundraising website on June 8.
The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Diarmuid Scully said: “We are all pulling together in the two councils for Kevin to raise the necessary money.”
Kevin’s website is www.helpmetowalk.com
