A fundraising campaign set up to help a Co Wicklow boy who needs “life-changing” surgery in the US is starting to gather pace.
Three-year-old Kane Fox from Rathnew was born prematurely at 28 weeks and spent eight weeks receiving treatment in an Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before being allowed home to his parents Alan and Amy.
However, it became apparent he had progressing Cerebral Palsy and he was eventually diagnosed with spastic quad CP, which Kane’s parent’s say, causes him to have stiff, tight muscles in all four limbs and he is unable to control his movement.
“Kane’s body is never at rest like ours,” his parents said. “His muscles are constantly overworking and tightening. Kane also uses a lot more energy than us to overcome this spasticity to make any purposeful movements.”
“His body is constantly being pulled in different directions affecting his ability to sit up right. All of this is exhausting, causes pain and puts him at risk of hip and back problems,” they continued.
While Kane is receiving treatment and therapies in Ireland for his condition, his muscles are continuing to tighten.
The fundraising campaign, which is hosted by charity Just4Children, is an effort to raise funds to fly Kane and his family to the US where he can receive potentially “life-changing” SDR surgery.
At the time of publication £36,787 (€43,961) has been raised for far, meaning the campaign is over a third of the way towards the £100,000 target.
It’s hoped the surgery, which would take place in St Louis in Missouri, would permanently reduce spasticity and improve the three-year-old’s comfort while he is sitting, standing and walking.
“Kane pulled through for us and now we need to pull through for him, to give him the best quality of life possible,” said his parents.
Friends, neighbours and locals have been helping in the effort to raise funds for Kane.
A bake sale at a farmer’s market in Roundwood took place on Sunday afternoon, while Ashford GAA Club’s ‘100km to March’ walk and run challenge will see a portion of proceeds going towards Kane’s fundraiser.
Keith Grant Master Butchers have pledged to donate €1 from every online sale they receive in the month of February to the fundraiser, with Newcastle native Keith sharing Kane’s story to his large TikTok audience.
Wicklow and District Lions Club also made a donation to the campaign recently, with the club said to be organising a “major” fundraiser for the coming months.
:: To donate to the fundraising campaign, click here
:: To follow Kane’s journey, click here
