Community support Cork family facing health battles after 'unimaginable loss'
A North Cork community are rallying support around a young family who are facing devastating health battles after the loss of their teenage son. Craig and Della Coady, from Lisgriffin, near Buttevant, lost their 13-year-old son Rory after he died unexpectedly a few weeks ago. Their local community have come together to support them during such a difficult time, particularly as Della and her other son are also facing health struggles. The family's friends and neighbours have rallied to help support "one of their own," and say that the Coadys are "a testament to courage, love, and unimaginable strength in the face of devastating challenges." Rory Coady died on September 21, leaving his whole family, school and wider community heartbroken. His mother, Della, is in the advanced stages of Huntington's disease, a hereditary neurological condition that slowly strips away a person’s ability to move, think, and function independently. Her other son, Paudie, 15, is also battling health issues. He was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes a loss of muscle coordination and strength.
Craig and his sons Paudie and Rory
(Image: GoFundMe)
Devoted dad, husband, and full-time carer, Craig, feels like his world is "unravelling" around him as he looks after his family while struggling under immense emotional and financial pressure. Marie Nagle, a family friend, set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the Lisgriffin community in an attempt to alleviate some of the financial strain they are facing. Speaking to CorkBeo, she said: "It's just so raw at the moment. "We only buried poor Rory, who is 'Forever 13', two weeks ago. Craig is the best dad I have ever known, and now he's a broken man. We are truly devastated." Marie explained that the funds will go directly towards home modifications and mobility aids for Paudie as his condition progresses, transportation and accommodation for vital medical appointments, and grief counselling for the family. Donations will also cover basic living costs and mortgage repayments as Craig, who currently works part-time, remains at home to provide round-the-clock care for his son. She wrote on the fundraiser page: "The Coady family has always been close, full of love, laughter, and resilience. But now, they are facing a storm that no family should have to weather alone... No parent should have to bury their child. No brother should have to say goodbye so young. And no family should have to endure so much heartbreak all at once. "In a world that often moves too fast, this is a chance to slow down and stand with a family that has given everything—and now needs us to give something back." Over €10,000 flooded in for the family in just hours earlier today. You can view the GoFundMe page by clicking here.
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