Keep Katie alive
Collections have been held at churches in Magherafelt parish to raise cash in a bid to save the life of a nine month old baby from the town.
By Connla Young
Little Katie Maguire suffers from intractable epilepsy which causes violent fits every day.
Her parents, Gary McCann and Mekila Maguire, have both left work to care for their baby daughter and are trying to raise £250,000so she can get specialist treatment in America.
The distraught parents say Katie’s “best hope” of a healthy life rests with her getting the medical attention she desperately needs.
The level of treatment and expertise Katie requires is not available on the National Health Service, forcing the family to look abroad for help.
With each debilitating seizure, the development of Katie’s brain is significantly impacted reducing her capacity to develop fully.
The terrible nature of the child’s condition means she cannot see, eat or swallow.
Katie’s father Gary says his family has been boosted by the generosity of local people.
“The response to the chapel collection was brilliant. Some people have come forward to do things for us. We will take all the help we can get.”
As part of the fundraising effort, Katie’s parents have set up a website www.keepbabykatieawake.com.
