Benefit night to help two local brothers with Cystic Fibrosis
By Maurice Garvey
TWO young brothers from Drimnagh never had much of a childhood thanks to the devastating effects of Cystic Fibrosis.
However, the goodwill of a stranger from Ballyfermot, may help to improve the quality of their life through a benefit night this weekend.
Aidan (23) and Jordan (21) Hill, were diagnosed with the inherited chronic disease as babies.
In and out of hospital all their lives, the family – including parents Deirdre, Lesley, and siblings Jolene (32), Nadine (29) and Lorcan (19) – work hard to keep on top of things.
“It has been a tough sickness to watch for any family,” said Nadine.
“They did go to school, but didn’t have a normal childhood. Medical appointments meant they couldn’t keep going to school past the age of six. Aidan loved playing football at St John Bosco, but had to stop when he got a feeding peg with the risk it would be knocked out.
“It’s a genetic disease. Neither my sister, nor me, nor Lorcan got it, but they did. It’s been really hard. Aidan is just out of hospital at St Vincent’s after three months with a liver problem. Jordan has always had the worst of it. He was recently admitted back into hospital, doctors have agreed that it is time now for a double lung transplant.”
She continued: “The life expectancy is 36 and that is with good treatment of the lungs and digestive system. We need a wetroom downstairs in the house, a divider between the kitchen and stairs. It’s not a big house to begin with. Dublin City Council have agreed to put in new windows, but said it could be a year before they can organise a wetroom.”
When Ballyfermot woman Megan Long heard of the brothers’ plight through a mutual friend, she felt compelled to do something.
Megan said: “Their home isn’t suitable at the minute and needs to be done up. Unfortunately, the struggle with the corporation is unreal. I have a DJ on the night, Irish dancers and am awaiting confirmation from Christy Dignam.
“We hope it will be a huge help for the lads to try and live a normal life and get well enough to do so.”
Nadine has never met Megan in person, but says her faith in people has been restored by the gesture.
“I can’t believe people can be so kind,” said Nadine.
“I’ll meet Megan for the first time on Saturday, it makes me realise that there is goodness in the world. Jordan has become oxygen-dependent in the last month. If he is lucky enough to get out of hospital, we need to be able to have these modifications in the house.”
The benefit night for Aidan and Jordan Hill takes place in the Ballyfermot Sports and Social Club on Saturday, August 12, doors open 8pm.
