A WEST Cork teenager who suffered a stroke after scoliosis surgery in New York is now home thanks to an outpouring of support for the family.

The parents of Maeve O’Mahony (13) from Castletown Kinneigh, near Enniskeane, said they are in awe of the kindness of the people of West Cork.

That kindness has seen over €100,000 raised so far for Maeve’s ongoing medical costs through a GoFundMe page.

The schoolgirl travelled to New York earlier this summer with her parents Trish and Gerard for life-saving surgery for severe scoliosis.

With long waiting lists in Ireland for scoliosis surgery her parents were advised to travel abroad for the procedure.

However, just days after the surgery, Maeve suffered a devastating stroke and spent weeks in intensive care.

Speaking to The Southern Star, Trish said it’s been a difficult few months for the family but it was made more comforting knowing the support they had from people back home.

Their expected six-week trip to New York turned into months as Maeve required specialised therapy to aid her recovery and wasn’t fit to travel.

‘Maeve is doing well considering what she went through and our main focus now is on getting her intensive physio and occupational therapy. She is unfortunately very weak and suffers fatigue too,’ said Trish.

They returned home in recent weeks but there is a long journey ahead for Maeve as she recovers from her stroke.

‘Thankfully she got outstanding care in the United States but unfortunately that’s not the case since she came back home and that’s very disappointing,’ said Trish.

‘The money so kindly raised will go towards care needs for Maeve as once again the health care system In Ireland has completely left her down.’

Trish said they will be forever grateful to the people of West Cork and beyond who donated to the fundraiser or shared the link or organised their own events to help their daughter.

‘It really is unbelievable and it feels like everyone has donated to the fund. We are so grateful and really appreciative of the support and the well wishes from people. We are in awe of the care and concern that strangers have shown to Maeve.’

The GoFundMe page was set up by family friend, Cathriona Jones, and it far exceeded the €70,000 target with the fund now standing at €105,283.

For more details see ‘Help Maeve’s rehabilitation costs after a stroke in New York’ on GoFundMe.com