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Limerick lad better after brain surgery

February 16, 2011

By Staff Reporter

By Stephen McKinley

The Limerick boy who came to New York for life-saving surgery has been released from the hospital and is doing well, according to his family and friends.

“Thomas was riding his bike up and down the corridor,” said his delighted father, Pat O’Sullivan. Pat and his wife, Adrienne, had despaired of finding help for 6-year-old, who had been suffering from a rare brain tumor, until they discovered a surgeon in New York who was able to perform the operation.

“He’s coming along alright,” Pat said. Thomas continues to get therapy three days a week at the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (at Beth Isr’l Hospital in New York.

“We hope to get home the week after next,” Pat continued, although the family’s return to Limerick has been delayed several times.

Some weeks after his operation, Thomas contracted an infection that required treatment back in hospital.

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Finding therapy for Thomas back in Ireland has been a concern for the family and doctors as well. It was feared that there would not be adequately trained staff in Ireland to help the boy, but St. Michael’s Hospital staff in Dun Laoghaire have been liaising with Beth Isr’l and it is hoped that the necessary therapy will be available when the O’Sullivans return home.

“The doctors and nurses have been fantastic,” said Pat, singling out Dr. George Jallo for praise — Jallo performed the surgery that saved Thomas’s life.

“We are staying in Connecticut now,” the father said. “We have been offered too many houses to stay in.

“Thomas also had his stitches out, which we’re very glad about.”

Tom Gleeson, a family friend, established a fund for Thomas, because the fees for his treatment have been extremely high. Donations can be sent to The Thomas O’Sullivan Fund, 236 East 83rd St., New York, NY 10028.

Another friend of the O’Sullivan family has set up a committee to help Thomas. The Thomas O’Sullivan fund-raising committee plans to meet this Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Bar, 960 McLean Ave., Yonkers. Anyone who wants to help is welcome to join the committee.

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