Little Roxanne lands in USA for her urgent surgery
Little Roxanne Kelly with mum Máirín, twin brother Curtis and dad Declan
CARLOW girl Roxanne Kelly has travelled to America for urgent medical treatment.
The brave six-year-old and her parents landed in Florida over the weekend. She will undergo a series of tests this week at the specialised Paley Orthopaedic and Spine Institute before having the first of two surgeries needed.
Roxanne’s mum Máirín told : “We landed safely. We have a busy week this week and hope everything goes to schedule. Monday and Tuesday will be MRIs, followed by a sleep study and a consult with the surgeons. Then she will have the head surgery. Then, two weeks later, the spine. That’s the plan right now, but things can change.” As reported in last week’s , Roxanne was born with a rare condition called Arthrogryposis, which severely impacts her physical movement. Having been on a waiting list for surgery here for more than four years, the family sought a second opinion on Roxanne’s care.
The family took to GoFundMe to help raise funds for what will be extensive medical costs, and within a week over €65,000 has been donated.
“We have had really great support throughout,” said Máirín, adding that the family are incredibly thankful for all donations. There has been an outpouring of support for Roxanne, with supporters online describing her as ‘the sweetest little girl’ and ‘an absolute angel’.
Máirín’s work colleagues at Peter Mark hairdressers have organised a karaoke night in Dicey Riley’s bar on Saturday night, 17 August. The ‘Let’s Rock for Roxanne’ event gets underway at 8.30pm and promises a great night of entertainment.
Gemma Hession, manager at the Peter Mark salon, said: “We wanted to do anything we can to help. Máirín has been working with us for a long time. We want to get the word out there. Roxanne is the most beautiful little girl, she has so much strength and courage. She wants to get home to her little brother Curtis.”
International DJ and Carlow man John Gibbons added his voice to the fundraising appeal. Taking to social media, he told followers that things will deteriorate for Roxanne if she does not get ‘the help she deserves and so urgently needs. It costs a lot, but even the smallest amount would be appreciated and every little bit counts. Let’s all make a tiny bit of difference,’ he posted.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so via Fundraiser for Roxanne Kelly by Máirín Nolan: Urgent Call To Help Roxanne (GoFundme.com).
