Fundraiser helps two young brothers with cystic fibrosis
By Maurice Garvey
THE community of Ballyfermot supported a successful fundraiser for two young brothers suffering with Cystic Fibrosis.
Ballyfermot woman Megan Long organised the night after hearing about the plight of Drimnagh brothers Aiden and Jordan Hill.
Aiden (23) and Jordan (21), were diagnosed with the inherited chronic disease as babies, and have been in and out of hospital all their lives, unable to even finish school past the age of six.
Saturday was the first time the Hill family got to meet and thank Megan in person.
The brothers’ sister Nadine Hill, said: “Megan had the room done up beautifully. She went to CFI (Cystic Fibrosis Ireland) and got ribbons and bracelets for the crowd, she had dancers there, it was a great night. A little under €5,000 was raised, which is brilliant. That means we can get the work done in the house to make it more accessible for the boys.
“I got up to say a few words. My partner won a raffle prize and we gave it to Megan. All the raffle prizes were brilliant. Lots of local businesses donated some really good prizes.”
Megan was happy with the “brilliant turnout” and was met by the Hill family as she entered the front door.
Jordan couldn’t make it as he is still in hospital, waiting for a lung transplant.
“My mother won’t leave him on his own,” said Nadine.
“We all take our turns. My dad got dressed in the hospital and came straight to the benefit night. We just have to wait and see with the transplant and for Jordan to keep up his physio. Now that he is oxygen-dependent, he is a bit nervous about being breathless. He had a collapsed lung a couple of years ago.”
Money raised will go towards installing a bathroom under the stairs, putting in a divider between the kitchen and rearranging the kitchen itself.
“A lot of people have offered their services, so it’s really just materials. We don’t want anything fancy – just a home for the two boys to have some quality of life,” said Nadine.
“I also want to thank my cousins Kathy O’Brien and Audrey Doyle, who were a very big part of the fundraising behind the scenes, with raffles, and helping out extra since Jordan became sick.”
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