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Communities unite to help sick baby

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KINDNESS: Members of the Polish community living in Killarney are helping to raise funds for a little Polish baby who needs to undergo treatment costing over €2m. Pictured were: Aron Gorka, Diana Sobas Gorka, Liliana Gorka, Gosia and Max Usiarczyk, Adam Zakrzewski, and Alan Dineen owner of Formally Yours. Photo: Michelle Crean

 

By Michelle Crean

Polish and Irish communities in Killarney have come together to help raise funds towards the €2m cost of treatment for a very sick little baby.

Polish native Gosia Usiarczyk called on the local business community to donate what they could to help fund medical treatment for 15-month-old Franio Marcinkowski, who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I and now faces a battle between life and death.

However, Polish locals in Killarney rallied when they heard of the baby’s plight and have since roped in the help of others.

Diana Sobas Gorka and Gosia set about asking local Polish and Irish businesses for help with local collections and setting up an auction to raise funds.

“I come from where the family live in Poland and when I saw it on Facebook I felt I wanted to do something,” Gosia told the Killarney Advertiser.

“I have children, Max (9) and Maja who is seven-months-old and as she’s close in age with Franio, I felt I needed to help in some way. There are groups in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. Diana created an Irish group and when I heard about her we decided to act together.”

She added that they know time fundraising is limited as treatment has to be given before age two.

“Every day our group is growing, not only Polish but also local people have joined. Now we have a few local businesses that helps us. We have Buddies Killarney, Bowling Buddies in Tralee, West Hotel in Bantry, Malgorzata Milczek Photography, Unique Hair by Katarzyna Bartczak, polish shop Pewex, Porterhouse, Chocolate Hair Salon, Formally Yours, BEBeauty by Aga Kuc.”

Anyone looking donate can do so by joining the FB group: ‘Auctions for Franio Marcinkowski’.

 

 

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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