Brave Kilkenny teenager remains positive despite setbacks

A Kilkenny teenager who recently underwent surgery abroad to treat serious abdominal vascular compressions is continuing her recovery despite experiencing a number of setbacks.

Maria Hogan underwent the surgery, which is not available in Ireland, to treat her condition which severely reduces blood flow to major organs causing constant pain, dangerous dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting and risks to her heart, kidneys and digestive system.

The wider community in Kilkenny has rallied around Maria and her family and to date over €100,000 has been raised to cover the costs for Maria’s surgery and related costs, such as travel and rehabilitation. 

Maria's father, Damien posted an update on the fundraising platform gofundme.ie at the weekend thanking the local community for their support and generosity to date.

"It has been very stressful and challenging for all of us. Maria did undergo her surgery, however she has unfortunately experienced a couple of setbacks during her recovery and had to return to hospital for further care and monitoring.

"Despite everything, Maria continues to show incredible strength. It takes a real warrior like Maria to face all of this, especially while being in a foreign country so far from home and familiar support. We are so proud of how brave she has been through every step of this journey.

"While this has been difficult, we remain hopeful that things will begin to improve soon. Recovery is taking longer than we had originally anticipated, and we are continuing to take things one step at a time while Maria receives the care she needs.

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"Separately, there have also been ongoing travel and flight disruptions through the Middle East, which are making it more complicated to plan the journey home. Between recovery and the travel situation, it may take us a little longer than expected before we are able to return.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support, generosity, and kind messages people have sent. It has meant so much to us during such a difficult time, and we truly appreciate everyone keeping Maria in their thoughts. If you are able to continue sharing Maria’s story, it really helps us reach more people and means a great deal to our family," he said.

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