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08 Sept 2025
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08 Sept 2025
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A fundraiser has been launched to help a Kilkenny girl and her family pay for costs associated with a vital upcoming surgical procedure in the UK.
Brianna Phelan Somers was born with myelomeningocele spina bifida (the most severe form of spina bifida) and scoliosis and is a full-time wheelchair user.
A year and six months ago she had spinal surgery where she had growth rod inserted but it failed.
Her spine is now 'completely twisted', her mother Catriona explains, and affecting her lungs and other organs.
She been transferred to Great Ormond Street Children Hospital in the UK as her consultant here in Ireland thinks she will have a successful and complete outcome as the appropriate facilities are not available here in Ireland.
Mum Catriona told followers that Brianna 'needs to have a spinal fusion and plastic surgery which the government are funding partly but we need to provide accommodation and medical support ourselves'.
"Any donation big or small will be welcome," she added. "We really appreciate all your love support and prayers over the last ten years. Please keep us in your prayers on this part of Brianna's journey.
"The paper work is all being done now for her operation and treatment plan and the doctors are hoping to have her operation done over the next few months."
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