LIMERICK soccer fan Adam O’Shaughnessy from Careys Road is 12 years old and, like many young boys his age, adores football and his beloved Liverpool.
However, Adam can’t play the game as much as he would like because he has a rare medical condition called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP).
He is the only person in Ireland with the condition, which is one of the rarest, most disabling genetic conditions known to medicine.
FOP causes bone to form in muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Bridges of extra bone develop across joints, progressively restricting movement and forming a second skeleton that imprisons the body in bone.
Adam’s teacher wrote to the Limerick-based Share a Dream Foundation and said: “The past year has been tough on Adam as he gets older and becomes aware of his limitations. He is often in pain as his body becomes gradually more and more encased in bone.
“Any trauma or fall could have catastrophic consequences. It’s a nightmare trying to balance Adam’s desire to run and play soccer in the school yard and the need to protect him. Adam adores Liverpool FC and I think it would be lovely for him to go there and see his favourite team while he is still mobile.”
After hearing Adam’s story and about his love for his beloved team, Share a Dream got to work.
Adam and his mum Antoniette will fly to Manchester on Saturday to watch Liverpool take on Manchester United in the Premier League.
They will have ‘golden passes’ for the game and will stay over that night in Manchester before returning home the following day.
Whether his Liverpool heroes win, lose or draw, Adam’s dream will come true at Old Trafford.
Anyone who wishes to help the Share a Dream Foundation in any way can call 061 200080/83, or email [email protected]e.
