Cork Woman Appeals for Support for Life-Changing Surgery

A woman from Douglas, Cork, has launched a community fundraising campaign to cover the cost of a crucial surgery that could alleviate her 27-year battle with chronic pain. Keira O’Connell, 41, has suffered severe discomfort for nearly three decades, with many doctors failing to provide a conclusive diagnosis. After numerous tests, medical professionals now suspect that her pain is linked to endometriosis.

Keira’s ordeal began at the age of 14, and despite her commitment to advocacy, she has faced increasingly debilitating symptoms. Recently, on October 3, she experienced an episode of excruciating pain that required a visit to the emergency room. Over the past few weeks, she has returned to A&E on five separate occasions due to her condition. “I try to plan my life around expected pain, avoiding commitments when I know I might be bedridden,” she shared with CorkBeo.

The chronic pain has shaped Keira’s life significantly. She has navigated her professional responsibilities as an Irish sign language interpreter while co-founding Deaf Rebels, a community group aimed at fostering connections within Cork’s deaf community. Unfortunately, the debilitating nature of her illness has forced her to cancel important events, including a planned gathering for October and November.

Keira’s journey to a potential diagnosis has been fraught with challenges. Despite repeated visits to medical facilities, her concerns were often dismissed as “normal” menstrual discomfort. “I have spent my entire life living with extreme menstrual pain that no one seemed to take seriously,” she explained. “I would miss school, college, and work because the cramps were unbearable.”

After an exhaustive process of tests and consultations, doctors have now recommended surgery for what is believed to be endometriosis. The procedure, scheduled for late November, will take place in Greece, with a base cost of €7,500. This amount could rise depending on any complications that arise. In addition to the surgical fees, Keira must also cover travel and accommodation expenses during her recovery.

While she is striving to save as much as possible, the short timeline has prompted her to seek help from her community. Keira has set up a GoFundMe page to secure the necessary funds. The challenges she faces reflect a broader issue in Ireland, as highlighted by Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin, who noted that many women endure lengthy waits—sometimes up to nine years—for a formal diagnosis of endometriosis.

In her own experience, Keira has often left hospitals without satisfactory answers, with pain management being the only outcome of her visits. “When I was discharged without answers, my family grew more worried each time. I would cry on the way to the hospital, hoping for relief, and cry on the way home after being dismissed again,” she recounted.

Fortunately, the procedure in Greece qualifies for reimbursement under the EU Cross-Border Directive, which means that part of the cost will be covered. Keira remains hopeful about the potential impact of the surgery. “If the surgery goes as planned, I will finally have the chance to live a normal life, one not dictated by constant pain or overwhelming fatigue,” she said.

So far, Keira has raised over €5,000 through her fundraising efforts, a testament to the support she has received. “To those who have donated, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It is magical to see people from different chapters of my life showing up when I need it most,” she expressed.

This support not only gives her hope but also moves her closer to accessing the surgery she desperately needs. Keira hopes to reclaim her work and community projects, emphasizing the importance of small freedoms often taken for granted.

For those interested in contributing to Keira’s campaign, more information and donation options can be found on her GoFundMe page.