Galway boy defies odds to take another major step
A young boy from East Galway, whose parents were told that he may be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, will walk tall on Monday as he begins his first day in school.
Five-year-old Mark Dolan from Ahascragh will walk through the gates of Creagh National School having undergone surgery in the United States that allows him to walk unaided.
A photograph taken of little Mark a couple of years ago certainly suggested that he would not walk unaided – but corrective surgery in St Louis, Missouri, has proved a resounding success.
And on Monday morning at 9am, his proud parents parents Fidelma and Kevin will watch as Mark, along with his twin sister Maeve, takes big strides towards his first day at school.
Mark along with his twin sister Maeve were born prematurely on August 9, 2012. In the early months Mark seemed like any other typically developing infant.
However, subsequent tests showed that Mark suffered from a motor delay which primarily affected his lower limbs and that he could be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.
However, Fidelma and Kevin learned that he could receive surgery in America that could rectify the situation. It involved a six hour long operation on his lower body. That was back in 2015. Recently, he was back in States where he underwent a muscle-lengthening procedure – and Mark can now walk unaided, much to the delight of his whole family.
Mom Fidelma said that Mark is showing a confidence and lack of fear of standing and walking which she described as just incredible. He is now looking forward to starting school.
“Even recently the fact that he could crouch down and pick things up for himself, which was always beyond him, is so amazing and he is becoming so independent. He is now started swimming and has joined Caltra Athletic Club. He is so positive and his strength has improved. He will need physiotherapy on an ongoing basis but to have him at this stage of progress is a pure joy,” Fidelma told The Connacht Tribune.
Through Mark’s Wish To Walk, the local community in Ahascragh raised an incredible €250,000 for his treatment, and future treatment if required.
When Mark arrived back from St Louis after surgery he received a standing ovation on the dance floor of the Carlton Shearwater in Ballinasloe from around 400 guests who arrived to welcome him home.
And on top of his first day at school, Mark is also to be honoured for his bravery with a Families First Award which will be presented to him in early October at a function in Donegal.
Mark will be presented with his Child Superstar award in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal –and all of his family will be in attendance for what will be another proud moment.