A fundraiser to bring a Killybegs man home for medical care has received overwhelming support in the past 24 hours.
Kevin O’Boyle, who is living in Australia, suffered a massive stroke on the 11th of February. His family in Donegal received the nightmare call with the news that he was fighting for his life in intensive care in a Sydney hospital.
Thankfully Kevin woke up after his mum and brother flew out to be by his bedside. But mounting medical bills have forced them to reassess his care and make plans to bring him home to Donegal to continue his recovery.
Kevin, who is a type 1 diabetic, will turn 34 years old next week.
“The best present we can try give him is getting him home,” his siblings said.
Friends and family on the other side of the world have rushed forward to help the O’Boyles in their hour of need. An online fundraiser (click here to visit) has raised over €30,000 of the €50,000 target in just one day.
More than 400 donors have sent their support in the hope of getting Kevin home safely.
Kevin’s siblings Paul and Caroline shared this account of their ordeal: “As some you may already know on the 11th of February we received a phone call that no family with a loved one abroad want to receive. We were told that our 33 year old brother Kevin, who is a type 1 diabetic had suffered a massive stroke and was fighting for his life in intensive care in Sydney. Understandably, this came as a massive shock to the family and what was worse he was on the other side of the world.
“Our mum and brother immediately booked flights to sit at Kevin’s bedside in the hope he would wake up. Thankfully, due to the amazing care he received and Kevin’s sheer determination, he did wake up and surpassed all expectations set by his medical team.
“Unfortunately, as Kevin remains in Australia, the medical expenses and cost to remain in Australia are unsustainable. His medical team have liaised with doctors in Letterkenny University hospital, where we hope he can be transferred and continue his recovery at home, with those that know and love him around him.
“The cost of getting Kevin home is going to be substantial considering the distance he has to travel as he will require specialist medical personnel accompanying him. We now need to ask for help to get Kevin home where he belongs. We understand that times are tough for people but if you can afford a small donation we would greatly appreciate it.”
As donations flooded in, Caroline shared another update from the family today and said they were “absolutely overwhelmed” to get half way to their target.
“We will never be able to show how thankful we are to each and everyone one of you near and far that has sent donations, shared the fundraiser or sent us well wishes and support. If everyone could please keep sharing the fundraiser we would really appreciate it.”
Visit the ‘Help get Kevin O’Boyle home to Donegal’ GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-get-kevin-oboyle-home-to-donegal
