Parents fundraise for spinal cord injury research

THE parents of a young Donegal girl who suffered horrific spinal injuries in a fatal car crash three years ago have begun fundraising efforts to support clinical trials for the use of umbilical cord stem cells in chronic spinal cord injury.

Nóirín Nic Gairbhaith from Gweedore, then aged 4, was travelling with her mother, Sonia, and brother, Aodán, on May 27, 2008, when their car was involved in a collision that killed Maggie Barr, 83.

The Scoil Mhuire, Derrybeg pupil sustained serious spinal cord injuries and was transferred to Stoke Mandeville hospital in England for specialist assessment and rehabilitation and rose to every challenge set to her.

Speaking this week, Nóirín’s mother Sonia said she remains upbeat and keeps herself busy horse-riding, swimming, taking music lessons and socialising.

The spectre of scoliosis (curvature of the spine), hip deformity and osteoporosis with resultant leg fractures, has already raised its ugly head as well as numerous bladder and chest infections.

“As a parent there is an innate urge to try to fix the problem, and while I realise there is no cure for SCI at present, I am aware there is a lot happening in this area and I wish to take an active part in this for Nóirín and all people living with SCI,” she said.

When Nóirín attended Shriner’s hospital in Philadelphia last summer the medical director said he believes a cure for SCI will happen within the next 10 years.

SCI is considered a ‘small market’ and large pharmaceutical companies have been reluctant to invest in clinical trials, sais Sonia.

Instead of waiting for a millionaire determined mothers decided to ask a million people for JustADollarPlease to support spinal cord injury clinical trials.

Donations can be made on the website www.justadollarplease.org or alternatively by wearing/selling/buying a wristband. These can be purchased in any Healthwise Pharmacy-listed on www.healthwisepharmacies.ie or bought from www.scibracelets.com