THE BLARNEY community is fund-raising to help a young local boy they call Superman to walk as he continues to defy the odds stacked against him.
Michael Barry has been fighting since he was only a few days old, and mum Orla Christian says he inspires her every day.
Michael Barry from Blarney, who was born in November 2012 with a rare genetic condition which means he needs specialised treatment to walk.
Michael, was born in November 2012 with a rare genetic condition called Aqueduct Stenosis which resulted in him suffering from hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is a build-up of fluid in the ventricles of the brain. The devastation caused by this build up of fluid has left Michael with global developmental delays.
He had his first surgery at just five days old up in Temple Street Children’s Hospital where a shunt was put in place to drain the fluid from his brain.
Orla was warned he would probably never walk or talk or live like other boys his age. But Michael has defied all the odds so far.
Orla said: “The night before his surgery I made a promise to him – if he showed me signs that he wanted to walk or talk I would do anything and everything for him.”
And he did.
Michael needs specialised treatment in order to help him walk and attended a specialist physiotherapy centre in Limerick last week, where he underwent his first day of his specialised programme.
Funds also need to be raised for Michael to receive cranial re-constructive surgery.
Orla said her heart was bursting with pride as she saw Michael stand in Limerick.
“He went for an assessment a year ago and the doctors were doing most of the work when he stood. Now they tell me it was Michael doing 50% of it. The support we have received in Blarney is absolutely incredible. It is amazing to know you have so many people behind you.”
*See Superman – Michael’s Little Steps on Facebook for updates on Michael’s journey as well Michael’s Little Steps Journey on www.fundrazr.com to donate towards Michael’s treatment.
See Wednesday’s Wow! for more