Family and friends rally round for Lorraine
Life took a sudden and tragic turn for Lorraine Maguire Kelleghan and her family from Newdown, The Downs, Mullingar, last year when, just after her 50th birthday, she suffered a severe stroke.
Having spent nine months in hospital settings, Lorraine is now home with her husband Ralph and son David. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for additional supports for Lorraine in her home. So far, nearly 600 people have donated, raising almost €53,000 of the €65,000 target.
Amie Kelleghan Corcoran, Lorraine’s goddaughter, outlined to the Westmeath Examiner the long and gruelling journey that began for Lorraine and her family on April 21 last.
Lorraine took ill around 9pm and was taken to hospital after showing signs of a stroke. Despite initial medical treatments, she was later diagnosed with severe brain and blood vessel issues.
Amie describes Lorraine as “a fun, bubbly character who loves to have a chat”.
“She absolutely loved getting her nails and hair done, just anything really that dolled her up. She is the light in any room.”
Lorraine’s speech has been significantly affected, and for her and those who know her, that has been the biggest challenge. She relies on communication aids, as well as family and friends, to help her be understood. The situation is challenging for Lorraine and causes her a great deal of upset and frustration.
Lorraine has worked hard with the specialists in Mullingar and the National Rehabilitation Hospitals. Because of her determination and willpower, she has can now walk short distances with close supervision and uses a wheelchair to allow family and friends to take her on longer walks. However, for a fit, healthy woman who had just turned 50 two months before her stroke, her whole world has been turned upside down.
Before her illness, Lorraine worked with the HSE at the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar. She devoted her life to supporting her family, friends and work, always extending a helping hand to anyone in need, in her personal and professional life.
Although back home, Lorraine needs extensive support, including occupational therapy and speech therapy, as well as mobility aids, Amie said.
Unfortunately, Lorraine’s condition has placed a significant financial strain on the family. They need help covering the costs of care, necessary home modifications, and future treatments to help Lorraine maintain her comfort and dignity. The GoFundMe page has been set up to help with that.
Lorraine will need to continue working diligently with the programmes the National Rehabilitation Hospital has established for her, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and appointments with various doctors and specialists to monitor her physical and mental health.
“We are raising money to get her home done in order to get all the necessary equipment in, and to pay for nursing during the day when her husband Ralph goes to work and David, her son, goes to college,” Amie said.
In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, a number of fundraising events are being held, including a coffee morning in The Downs on Saturday, which raised €3,500.