| Trip of a lifetime for ‘miracle’ boy |
|
|
|
| Thursday, 06 March 2008 | |
|
A nine-year old diabetes sufferer from Lucan is going on the trip of a lifetime to Florida thanks to the Children’s Miracle Network. Eoin Burke, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes when he was seven, will be taking the holiday with his whole family to take part in the ‘Children’s Miracle Network Celebration’. The event is organised by the Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of sick children who have triumphed against severe challenges. The celebration will include an awards ceremony in which the children are presented with medals, a celebratory dinner and a trip to Disneyland. Eoin discovered he was diabetic in December 2005 when he was rushed to Tallaght Hospital suffering from vomiting and the loss of sight in one eye. His mother had previously noticed that he was constantly thirsty or hungry and needed to use the toilet a lot. Within minutes of being admitted to hospital Eoin was diagnosed with diabetes and he began his treatment. After leaving hospital on Christmas Eve Eoin was put on insulin injections for two years before having an insulin pump fitted, which provided him with much greater freedom to enjoy his life. Eoin’s mother Fiona said her son was getting very excited about the imminent trip. “He is missing a week from school as well, which is even better for him,” she said. “He hasn’t even been sleeping properly for the last week with excitement.” Eoin currently attends the National Children’s Hospital four times a year and is well known to the dedicated diabetes team there. Fiona added: “There are a lot of things we won’t learn about how the illness affects him until he is 15 or 16. Diet is very important, especially knowing what he can or cannot eat and when he can eat it.” Fiona revealed that it has meant a lot to her to know that there was a dedicated diabetes team at the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght and a help line they can call at any time to speak with a member of the team. There is no cure for type one or ‘childhood’ diabetes, which can be lethal without insulin injections, and the disease will affect Eoin for life. Despite his serious medical condition he is an active child who loves football and even trains with the Esker Celtic under 9s. He can mostly be found in goals but says he enjoys the glory of playing out field too. He is a big Manchester United fan and has travelled to Old Trafford twice to see them play at their home ground. Two other Irish families will be joining the Burkes on the trip to Florida as part of the Children’s Miracle Network. The children, or ‘Champions’ as they are known, will meet with other kids from many different countries. The group currently raises funds for Ireland’s three national children’s hospitals and is part of an international network of organisations that raise money and awareness for sick children. Each year over 17 million children are treated at hospitals supported by the network with over e3 billion donated each year. There are currently 170 children’s hospitals affiliated with the network helping children of all races, ages, religions and financial backgrounds. |
Hamilton powers to karting victory Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Alex Hamilton (11), from Foxrock, recently scooped one of Ireland’s most prestigious titles in motorsport, the All-Ireland Karting Championships in the Cadets class.
The St Brigid’s...+ Full Story |
Irish Paralympic team announced Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Forty-five elite athletes across nine sports will represent us at the Beijing Games that get underway on September 6 and will run for 12 days. The Paralympic Games are elite Olympic style sports...+ Full Story |
Baldwin leaves big boots to fillWednesday, 16 July 2008
Tom Baldwin, captain of the Under 16 team at St Paul’s Artane, is leaving to join Stockport County, a club managed by former eircom League of Ireland player, Jim Gannon.
And Baldwin...+ Full Story |
Athlete’s career given a boost Thursday, 10 July 2008
Dundrum South Dublin (DSD) athlete, Linda Byrne, has had a strong year in the field.
Byrne was one of Ireland’s top performers at the European World Cross Country Championships in...+ Full Story |
| More Articles |
Island Banners
Navigation Menu
| Home |
| About Us |
| News |
| Private Ads |
| Classifieds |
| Advertising Rates |
| Distribution |
| Web Design |
| Online Advertising |
| Contacts |
Website Poll
Advertise
Advertise Online with the Dublin People. Great rates available. Click Here
Private Ads Login
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Dublin People. Terms and Conditions
North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn
North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn