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Ann Marie O Connor campaign to raise funds for MS Adapted Vehicle
Ann Marie O Connor is a 38-year-old mother of two who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in May 2016. Pictured above with her family.
Ann Marie O Connor campaign to raise funds for MS Adapted Vehicle
By I Love Limerick Correspondent Tara Byrne
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Ann Marie O Connor from Corbally, Co. Limerick, is organising a fundraiser to raise funds to help her buy an appropriate car/van so that she can engage in her children’s activities and lives. Anne-Marie’s mobility has taken a big hit in the last few years and things such as personal care, activities of daily living and childcare are now a major struggle. So far, €21,495 has been raised on her €40,000 goal.
Ann-Marie is a 38-year-old mother of two. In May 2016, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in the last few years, her health has seen a steady and aggressive decline. She said, “I have gone from an active mother to a shadow of my former self. At the time of diagnosis, my children were 2 and 5 years old. They have lost out on so much. I am no longer able to do all the normal parenting activities that most take for granted.”
She can no longer partake in activities with her children or take them on outings. She can no longer climb the stairs in her house or take her kids to medical appointments.
The reason for most of the obstacles is transport. Ann Marie can no longer drive a standard car. If she was to be driven to a destination, she would not be able to move from the car. As a mother, this breaks Ann Marie’s heart. She said, “it is devastating for my children to see all the other moms on the sidelines when theirs is at home or in the car park. Darragh is a sensitive child and he worries a lot about my health. Aisling has no memory of me ‘pre- wheelchair’ and that makes me so sad but maybe it’s beneficial to her. They are two truly amazing children and they have faced more adversity in their short lives than many adults ever will.”
Ann Marie needs a vehicle that is extensively adapted to the nature of her condition. The vehicle would also have to accommodate her family. From speaking to various organisations such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, Irish Wheelchair Cars, Motability Ireland, etc, the cost is looking like €40,000. The money will also cover the cost of adapting the vehicle – anchor points, an electric ramp, hand controls, dropping the floor to allow wheelchair access, etc.
Ann Marie added, “I am fully aware that this is a huge amount of money, but I implore you to see the immense benefit it would provide to my two beautiful children. Please note that I am not requesting help to buy a brand new or lavish vehicle. This would be a second hand, reconditioned vehicle.”
To donate to Ann-Marie’s fundraiser go HERE
For more fundraising stories go HERE
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