Tomás sustained a spinal cord injury at just 16…
Tomás Kelly lived at home in Cahir with his family living life like most 16-year-old boys. He attended his local secondary school and was really engaged with his local GAA and Rugby clubs.
Very popular among his friends and his community, Tomás’ future was bright and he was full of ambitions and dreams.
Mairead, Tomás’s mother, who is also very involved in their local community explained ‘his personality is infectious, there is no one in the community that he didn’t know’ . The Kelly family are extremely close, especially Tomás and his older brother Eoghan, but the family of 7 are truly tight-knot and close as can be, living life as active, outgoing members or a great community.
Their whole world was about to change Christmas week of 2018. Tomás had been complaining about a persistent pain in his back so following medical reviews it was determined that routine surgery would be performed to alleviate the underlying issue. The family were secure in the assurance that it was nothing to worry about and Tomás and his mother went in for the procedure together.
Unfortunately something went terribly wrong in surgery. Tomás suffered multiple strokes in his brain and spine which left his life hanging in the balance. For days the Kelly family held vigil by his bed side with the devastating news finally coming that Tomás would be paralysed from the chest down. Though the fear of losing him was relieved, the family was shattered….not knowing the life that lay ahead.
Tomás fought courageously in University Hospital Galway and following that, in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. This is where the Kelly family first encountered Spinal Injuries Ireland and were offered encouragement and emotional support through the realisation of this life-changing news.
Often in the early stages of an injury it is the family that bears the trauma of the diagnosis as this is when the long-term reality for the family begins to unfold. Spinal Injuries Ireland have been there for the Kelly Family throughout their post-injury journey. As an organisation we strive to make sure that no individual or family goes through this traumatic experience alone and instead are greeted by people who understand, can guide people through the darkest hours and show that there is life after a spinal cord injury.
Thankfully Tomás and his family are back home together. Tomás is back at school, studying away and looking forward to his bright, successful future with the support of his parents, wonderful siblings and community. Spinal Injuries Ireland will be there by their side to help them every step of the way for as long as the Kelly Family need us.
Spinal Injuries Ireland are able to reach out more at this early stage and provide services for individuals and their families thanks to the support of our wider community, through donations, fundraising, volunteering and spreading awareness. We are set to be under increased pressure in the coming years as the incidence of non-traumatic/medical injuries, like Tomás’, is estimated to rise in Ireland in the coming years. Currently an average of 3 people per week sustain a life-changing spinal cord injury; 2 of these injuries are now shown to be non-traumatic injuries caused by strokes, tumours etc.
Those affected need specific and consistent support and guidance from the point of diagnosis towards rebuilding their lives and independence. Thanks to, and with the help of, our supporters and donors we will be expanding upon these services over the coming four years.
