February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Emer, who is 13, has cerebral palsy, a disease that affects body movement and muscle coordination.
Dolphin swim therapy has been gaining popularity as a way for sick and disabled children to integrate recreational, motivational and educational therapy.
After picking up their rental van around 8 p.m., the family was stopped by people in another car who told them that there were sparks coming from under their van.
The family got out to investigate when the suspects came up to the van and ran off with two suitcases that held much of their personal documents and money.
The McNultys had prepaid for their hotel and the treatment expenses, but the police report said they lost about $4,000 in cash, passports, plane tickets, and credit cards.
Gavan, who is 16, tried to stop the robbery but was overpowered.
Miami Police Chief John Timoney, himself an Irish native, made a public plea to help the McNulty family.
The community responded and within two days the family was in Key Largo for Emer’s treatment and donations have poured in to the tune of $25,000.
Lt. Bill Schwartz said the police were happy with the public’s charity.
“The response has been incredible,” he said. “We’re very gratified.”
Peter Hoagland, the general manager of Island Dolphin Care, agreed.
“It’s truly amazing, and not a surprise at all,” he said. “People tend to be enormously generous anytime there is a need. It’s just a small example.
“The family will put whatever they get to good use for Emer. They are enormously generous people.”
The McNultys are doing well after their ordeal.
“I think within two hours of our unfortunate, unhappy experience Sunday night, we had again refound our faith in American people,” McNulty told the media who gathered to see Emer swim with dolphins for the first time.
Hoagland said that Emer is enjoying her treatment as well.
“She’s doing great,” he said. “She loves being here and swimming with the dolphins. It’s all about creating joy and opportunity.”
The center, which has a rigorous application process, deals with children from age 3 to young adulthood with all types of illnesses.
Hoagland said Island Dolphin Care invites the entire family to come for the program.
“Brothers, sisters, grandparents, anyone in the family dynamic,” he said.
While treatment depends on each child’s needs, it centers on swimming with dolphins and a therapist, as well as some classroom activities.