Mother of Kerry woman 'eternally grateful' for spinal surgery in Padre Pio hospital

Camesha Leen, 17, was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis when she was 12

Camesha Leen with Sr. Vittoria of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the hospital Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza.

The mother of a young Kerry woman who had spinal surgery in Italy last month said she is “eternally grateful” to St Padre Pio who founded the hospital and the surgeons.

Violet Leen said her daughter Camesha, now 17, was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis when she was 12.

She was treated at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork, but unfortunately her condition worsened.

“Her curve progressed over the years and by five years later, her curve was getting worse,” Violet said.

“Doctors recommend surgery when the curve is near to a 50 degree cobb angle and her spine was now close to that.” 

Surgery in Crumlin hospital was considered, but Violet said: “I had tried to access treatment in Crumlin but the waiting list is long."

Camesha was "on the cusp of seeing a doctor at Crumlin", she said but as she turned 17 in September she was moved to the Mater Hospital. 

Unsure of how long more they might wait, the family applied for the Treatment Abroad Scheme. The scheme funds treatment which is either unavailable or has longer than normal waiting times in the patient’s country.

“I was very blessed to be accepted,” Violet said.

The surgery, at Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza hospital founded by Padre Pio in the 1940s, lasted nine hours on December 5. 

“Then she spent 10 hours in ICU recovering. It was a painful procedure,” her mother said. This was followed by around four weeks recuperation before they travelled home to Tralee. 

Lead surgeon Dr Franco Gorgolione has over 35 years experience which the Leens found very reassuring.

Orthopaedic specialist Dr Gorgoglione Franco and his team of doctors, nurses, and the sisters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart.

“Padre Pio - who experienced the stigmata for 50 years and suffered greatly - had a wonderful idea to open a hospital that would welcome those who suffer and help them,” she said.

“And this is what we experienced, the most kind and caring team of doctors and nurses.

This would not have been possible, she explained, without funding. 

“My daughter is slowly recovering. And we are eternally grateful to the minister for health here in Ireland, to the doctors in San Giovanni and to St Padre Pio for his help,” she said.

Camesha did not wish to comment directly, saying that she is grateful for all the help.

Camesha Leen taking her first steps days after surgery in Italy.

Ms Leen, who also highlighted this in  Kerry’s Eye, said she wants to raise awareness of this option. 

“I share our story for that reason so that other children – who are suffering - know there is help under the treatment abroad scheme,” she said.

“I do hope that the minister for health will use the Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza as a go-to for children that need urgent surgery. It is exceptional.” 

She described the hospital as “a beacon of light and love.” 

The Treatment Abroad Scheme covers medical costs in public hospitals or institutions in the EU, EEA, UK and Switzerland. The patient does not pay up-front unlike other schemes.