Five-year-old Casey just wants to 'get legs fixed'

Sinead Hogan Thirty thousand euro isn't easily come by, the way things are, but if it meant your beloved five-year-old daughter could cast off her splints and skip through life despite Cerebral Palsy, no doubt you'd do everything possible to raise that money. Tracey Fitzgerald from Mullagh has a big file which she goes through every day and from it she pulls out everything from lists of donors and sponsors to technical information about a costly medical procedure that she's hoping to book for her daughter, Casey. Trying to raise the funds is a huge undertaking that involves Tracey swallowing her pride and appealing to people's kindness. It's a labour of love, she admits, but while it's hard work, five-year-old Casey keeps her going. Casey was diagnosed with a form of Cerbral Palsy as a toddler. Her movement is restricted due to her condition, and she wears splints on her legs, and uses a walking frame or wheelchair. Brave Casey is strong-spirited and bursting with energy, but desperately wants to "get her legs fixed", as her mum puts it. They show a video clip on Tracey's smartphone of Casey dancing. "Every time she falls over, she just gets up and goes again," says suitably proud mum. A four-hour operation, not available in Ireland, can be done in Bristol at the cost mentioned. Casey had an assessment with a consultant in the Frenchay Hospital in Bristol last May and was found to be suitable for the procedure. Known as 'selective dorsal rhizotomy' it involves identifying the nerve endings that aren't properly doing their job of sending messages to the brain, explains Tracey. "There is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, but they can improve her condition greatly," says Tracey. "The operation will increase her balance by 50%, and she'll be able to get rid of those splints that she hates. If she doesn't get the operation, she's probably going to end up using a wheelchair fulltime... Casey also gets muscle spasms. They're very painful and we hate to see her like that, but the operation will sort that out too. "We need all the help we can get - anything at all. I don't care how small; it all helps. The sooner we get this money, the sooner she can go for the operation. I'm available all the time, by email or phone." It's a story that touches hearts of every description. Tracey put a page up on Facebook about a month ago, and there are 855 members, and growing. Tracey and family are grateful for how the local community has come full-force behind the fundraising drive. A committee has been set up in Mullagh by members including county councillor, Shane P. O'Reilly. Many fundraising events have been organised and businesses have generously donated products and services of all descriptions. As soon as they have half the funds raised, they'll book the operation, which they hope will be done by January 2012. Casey and her mum will go over to Bristol for a month, while dad, Noel, will take that month off work to stay at home with their other four children. Casey will have to re-learn how to do functions including stand and undergo intensive physiotherapy before the benefits of the operation become apparent. "It will be hard work, and I think she's going to get frustrated. She'll expect that her legs will be fixed and that she'll be able to run, walk and skip all at the one time." Child of Courage Award Casey was last Wednesday presented with a William Keown Child Of Courage Award. One of 36 children to receive the awards for personal achievement and bravery, Casey was the only recipient from the Republic. Tracey says her youngest daughter often asks her if, when she 'gets her legs fixed', she'll be able to beat her brother in a race. And 'yes, you will' is the resounding affirmation from Casey's proud mum. "This Sports Day, she was crying because she had to go home because her legs were sore. Next year, hopefully she'll be six months post-op so she'll be much better. The following year she should be running around with the other kids." How to help: Support the following events in Co. Cavan: Football Match at Castlevilla Pitch, Moynalty on Saturday, June 25, at 3pm; Poker Run at Tyrrell's, Mullagh on Sunday, June 26, at 12.30pm (All bikes welcome); Fashion Show at Gonzo's Lounge, Imperial Bar, Cavan on Thursday, July 14, at 8pm; Gala Auction Music And Psychic Night in Tyrrell's, Mullagh on Sunday, July 31, at 9pm; Vintage Car And Tractor Run on August 20 (details TBC). Google 'Casey's Dream Appeal' or search for 'Casey's Dream Appeal' on Facebook. Contact Tracey at 087-7659943 or by email to traceyfitz2010@hotmail.com.