Hard-hearted thieves add to local family’s suffering
By Maurice Garvey
BURGLARS attempted to break into the home of a young girl with a life-limiting disorder, whilst she was in hospital receiving treatment last month.
Daisy McDonald (2) suffers from advanced stages of Rett syndrome – an extremely rare genetic developmental disorder, which requires 24/7 care, and presents a combination of cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and anxiety.
Luckily, Daisy’s “super dog” Lady, protected the fortress, scaring the burglars off, but not before they smashed two windows and the glass panel on the front door.
Bohernabreena resident Lynn McDonald (35), a single mother to her “special little ladies” Ellie (7) and Daisy (2), was in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, with Daisy at the time of the incident.
Lynn said: “I’ve just been trying to get Daisy right and trying to get the place back to normal. They didn’t take anything, thanks to super dog Lady. But I had to leave Daisy in the hospital and send Ellie to her grand-parents in Shankhill, until I got the windows and doors fixed.
“We’re still finding glass fragments on the floor which isn’t suitable for Daisy. This place has always been our safe haven.”
The incident occurred during a particularly trying time for the family, with Daisy suffering extreme pain in her stomach.
Daisy’s medical problems include a feeding peg in her stomach, keeping her in the correct position at all times, seizures, lack of speech development, and weekly trips to hospitals in Tallaght, Crumlin and Temple Street.
Lynn failed to find a pre-school spot for Daisy in the South Dublin County constituency – instead finding a place in another local authority area, that will require a one-hour-and-40-minute bus journey each way this September.
As a result, she has organised a fundraiser at St Anne’s GAA Club this Friday, August 21, to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible car, to bring Daisy to appointments and therapies.
“She’s hooked up to a feeding pump 24 hours a day at the moment, and we’re going back to Crumlin on Sunday to determine if it is linked with seizures,” said Lynn.
“The community have given us great support, including St Anne’s and the Firhouse Slimming World.”
Independent councillor Dermot Richardson, assisted the family in securing a free home-security system this week, courtesy of National Security Systems.
Daisy will make a brief appearance at the St Anne’s event on Friday, before the night’s entertainment begins at 8.30pm.
Tickets are available from St Anne’s or through the Facebook page ‘Driving Miss Daisy’s Benefit Night.’
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