Galway community rallies with huge sum for paralysed 12-year-old girl
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Communities across Galway have rallied to support twelve-year-old Izzy Sallis – with fundraising efforts now surpassing €65,000 as people continue to organise events to help her access specialist treatments and long-term care.
A pupil at Scoil Íosa in Oranmore, Izzy was left paralysed from the neck down after suffering a catastrophic injury to her brain stem and spinal cord during scoliosis surgery in September 2025.
Since then, supporters across Galway have mobilised to raise funds to support her family as they search for treatment options and therapies that could improve her quality of life.
In recent weeks, several local fundraisers have added thousands of euro to the growing total. Members of the community in Mullagh organised a coffee morning which raised an impressive €7,200, reflecting the strong local support for Izzy and her family.
Schools across Galway have also been playing their part. Kilcooley National School raised €468 while organisers at Izzy’s own school community at Scoil Íosa in Oranmore expect their final fundraising total to reach closer to €9,000.
Friends and supporters say the generosity shown by schools, local businesses and individuals has been overwhelming for the family. “The family really want to thank everyone so much, she is overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of people,” says close friend Helen Holohan.
Another major fundraiser is now set to take place in Galway city this month. A special event titled ‘Support Izzy’s Fight’ will be held at Monroe’s Live Backstage Bar on Saturday, March 21 at 7.30pm, promising a night dedicated to “love, strength and community”.
The evening will include a live auction featuring a range of prizes and artwork, including pieces from Gerry Kennedy, Sinéad Burke, JP McMahon, Aled Owen Thomas and Imelda Darabi. Additional prizes have been donated by Galway United and Warehouse Gym.
“The family really want to thank everyone so much, she is overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of people”
Alongside the live auction, an online auction is also running through the ‘Izzy’s Fight’ Facebook page, with higher-value items currently on display in Cornerstone in Oranmore, where the public can view them.
The fundraiser will also feature drag music bingo and an after-party, with free access to the main stage DJ from 11pm. The night will be hosted by Jane Eyre Square and Divalicious, who will lead the live auction and bingo entertainment.
All proceeds raised from the auction and event will go directly towards helping Izzy access new treatments, therapies and regenerative medicine options from around the world. Izzy was born with Hurler Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and has faced significant medical challenges throughout her life.
She underwent a bone marrow transplant at just 14 months old and, despite living with chronic pain, is known by those around her as a vibrant and creative child with a big personality – a “pocket rocket”.
Her mother, Deborah Lyons, has been staying by her daughter’s side in Dublin while researching treatment and rehabilitation options internationally that could help improve Izzy’s condition and future independence.
Izzy now requires a ventilator and round-the-clock medical care. She remains fully aware but is unable to move from the neck down. Friends say the family have been deeply touched by the kindness shown by people across Galway since Izzy’s story became known. They have expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who has organised fundraisers, donated prizes, shared the campaign and attended events in support of Izzy.
Supporters say the continuing fundraising efforts are focused on ensuring Izzy has access to every possible treatment and support that could benefit her both now and in the future. Donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign “Izzy’s Fight: Funding Critical Care After Spinal Cord Injury.”