Edenderry baby 'keeps smiling through it all'

An online fundraiser has been launched to help baby Daire McDonnell from Edenderry who was born with a rare medical condition and has not left hospital since he was born. 

Born on June 27, the Edenderry tot has been hit with more challenges in his four short months than most people face over a lifetime. Having already been through five surgeries for a bowel condition, he is facing additional surgeries and a possible transplant. 
Parents Derval and Vinny, and big brothers Rian (7) and Corey (3), are desperate to have him home as soon as possible, but the family are currently awaiting news from a specialist hospital in Birmingham that they are hoping will be able to help him. 
“He is 18 weeks today and he's stable at the moment, but things change on a daily basis. We have a long road ahead of us,” Derval told the Offaly Independent. 
But in spite of all he's been through, she says he is a happy baby who loves to spend time with his family. 
“He's such a happy baby and keeps smiling through it all. All he wants is to be held,” she says. 
Born with multiple atresia of the bowel, Daire has been fully dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) since he was born. Unfortunately, a side effect of TPN is that it affects the liver, and this has led to Daire being diagnosed with liver disease, and he may be in need of a bowel and liver transplant in the future. 
Daire's parents and the staff in Crumlin are now liaising with a hospital in Birmingham who are specialists in the area and may be able to offer assistance. 
“He definitely needs another two surgeries, and he might be in need of a bowel and liver transplant,” explains Derval. 
“It is such a complex condition and we want to be proactive, but we are waiting day to day as things keep changing.”
If Daire does travel to Birmingham, the trip would necessitate an air ambulance transfer, and he would also need ongoing medical care which would see the family relocating to Birmingham while he is receiving medical treatment. 
The funds raised through the GoFundMe appeal, set up this week by family and friends, will be used for travel expenses and for medical expenses into the future. 
They will also contribute to the adaptation of their home and a special bedroom for Daire when he comes home to his family. 
Since its launch on Tuesday, the page has already raised more than €6,000 of its €50,000 target amount, with over 200 people donating to the fund. 
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/funds-for-daire-mcdonnell

All donations, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated by the family.