LITTLE Méabh Lynch from Lisnagry and her family have been through two years of a terrifying ordeal that could have broken them, were it not for the support of all involved in Children’s Health Foundation and Temple Street hospital.
Four-year-old Méabh, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of just three, spent a total of 30 weeks in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street in Dublin.
Her mother Maria says that “even though it was so lonely at times, you were never alone” in the Temple Street hub.
“There was always someone there to pick you up. We will be forever grateful for the amazing people inside Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street,” she says.
“Every day they go above and beyond to ensure those in their care are so well minded.”
‘Méabh the Brave’, as she has been called, underwent numerous procedures and surgeries to have stents put in and taken out, grafts implanted and removed, enduring painful procedures and illness from her medication.
After her initial surgery, Méabh couldn’t move her hands or legs, she couldn’t hold up her head or sit independently. There was no guarantee that these skills would return, but slowly, little glimmers of movement started to appear.
Her hands started to get stronger, which her mother Maria describes as “a must when you need to get your dodie into your mouth”.
She started to move her legs and get more power.
Méabh is still on a journey of recovery but is now able to play with her siblings and enjoy fun and games.
Children’s Health Foundation is calling on individuals, families, schools, and community groups to embrace their inner monster and host a Trick or Treat party to help children like Méabh.
The campaign, now in its 24th year, helps to raise vital funds that go towards buying world-class equipment, providing therapies for patients like play, music, and pet sessions, putting supports in place for families, particularly of long-stay patients, and much more.
Party givers who sign up at childrenshealth.ie/trickortreat or call 01 709 1700 to host a Trick or Treat party, will receive a pack which includes stickers, bunting, posters, a collection box, a tablecloth, and all the information needed to have a fun scary Halloween bash.
