Galway woman places hope in stem cell surgery

A 24 year old North Galway woman has embarked on journey of hope as she is to undergo a crucial operation in China which she hopes will restore her sight.

Family and friends of Valerie Dolan from Abbert, Abbeyknockmoy had a going away party for her as she flew out for the operation this week following several months of fundraising activities.

Although Valerie is not that keen on flying, she was determined to put that fear to one side and concentrate on the life changing operation she is about to undergo.

The “Vision for Valerie” campaign raised a sufficient amount of funds for her to have the stem cell operation which hopefully will restore her sight.

Valerie’s problems began back in 2004 when she woke up to discover that everything was not alright. She could not see properly – although she could make out things, she could not see her parents’ faces. At first she thought it was something that would rectify itself but when it didn’t, she became concerned and sought medical help.

Despite attending several doctors, it was eight weeks later before college student Valerie, daughter of businessman Val and Annette Dolan, was diagnosed with Bilateral Optic Neuritis.

This is inflammation of the optic nerve that may cause a complete or partial loss of vision. In Valerie’s case she has partial sight but cannot do some of the basic things like read.

“I was started on all kinds of medication to help bring down the inflammation and it did come down after four or five months.

“However, my eyesight is still the same as the day I woke up. I can’t read, watch the telly, drive, cross the street or perform everyday things.

“I do have some sight but I can’t make out facial features. I describe it as a jigsaw puzzle with pieces missing. I have various different aids and devices to help me.

“One day, after years of searching the internet, I came across stem cell treatment. I sent off all my records and I was accepted. From there, the fun battle of raising funds started”, Valerie said.

She added without the fundraising activities – the biggest being a golf classic in Mountbellew Golf Club – she would not be flying out to Qingdao in China where she is accompanied by her boyfriend Matthew.

She will spend a lengthy period in China where she will receive umbilical cord stem cells over the course of seven weeks, after which it is hoped that she will recover close to full sight.