K

KILLARNEY couple Teresa and Stephen O’Mahony had always hoped to have a little girl and when Alexis was born 10 months ago they were overjoyed.

Their daughter wins hearts everywhere she goes. Alexis has a smile that lights up the room – yet belies the fact that she and her parents face many battles every day. “Exactly one year ago to the day Teresa and I were told all was not right with our pregnancy. Four months ago Alexis eventually got her primary diagnosis of pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency which had up until then and continues to cause many other serious and dangerous problems for her,” said Stephen.

This condition, which is quite rare, means Alexis’s body cannot break down food and it can also lead to life-threatening complications. “We don’t know what the future holds, it’s about living in the ‘now’,” said Stephen.

Alexis needs to spend a considerable of time every month at the National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (also known as the national metabolic unit) at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital in Dublin. “There we witness the first hand dedication, love and vital care provided to seriously ill children on a 24-hour basis,” said Teresa.

Now the family wants to help support the national metabolic unit at Temple Street and the associated St Brigid’s ward in the hospital. “To give a little back we have organised a coffee morning at the Killarney Royal Hotel on Friday, February 24, from 9-11.30am,” said Stephen.

“There will also be a raffle with lots of fantastic prizes on the day. All donations go towards equipment, care and research at the national metabolic unit and the associated St Bridget's ward.”

If you would like to help the cause and perhaps can't make it to the coffee morning, you can do so at gofundme.com/killarneycoffeemorning. Meanwhile tickets for the raffle are for sale on the day and beforehand in The Shire Bar or you can contact Stephen on 085-702 2312.
 

 
Above: Alexis with her parents Teresa and Stephen O'Mahony.