Edenderry community raises over €3,800 for ‘miracle baby’

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The generosity of the Edenderry community has overwhelmed local parents Danielle Dempsey and John Rogers during an ongoing health battle with their 'miracle baby' Kai.

Family friend Keara Cullen has raised over €3,800 for the family, and now Stephen Dylan and Ryan Monaghan have dedicated the Annual Edenderry Light Up tractor run to Kai.

Born in April 2023 at just 24 weeks, the baby boy weighed a mere 850 grams when he arrived prematurely into the world.

“I went into Mullingar hospital with pains in my back, and they told me I was in full labour,” said Danielle. “I was told there was a chance that my baby wouldn't survive.”

Danielle was transferred to The Rotunda in Dublin to give birth. The mother-of-five had two previous premature births, however neither as severe as Kai.

"We were moved to Temple Street 11 days after birth to get a stoma installed. He spent 120 days in total in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) after multiple surgeries and severe health complications.

"He had three cardiac arrests at 14 days old where he had to be resuscitated."

In the space of a year and a half, Danielle and Kai have been in and out of the Rotunda, Mullingar Hospital, and Temple Street Children's Hospital, with the infant requiring countless surgeries and medical interventions.

“Since Kai was born, Danielle and John have only spent 76 days at home with him. They have four other children who are missing their little brother and mammy,” said family friend Keara Cullen.

The 18-month old has been suffering with a multitude of health complications since his birth, including chronic lung disease, gut dystonia, kidney stones, and brain damage.

“We don't know how bad the brain damage is,” said Danielle. “The doctors say he may never walk. We didn't even know about the brain damage until this year."

“He is a high risk of Cerebral Palsy can’t be diagnosed until he's two, and is also a strong carrier of Cystic Fibrosis.”

Danielle said the impact of Kai's health issues has been incredibly challenging.

“My partner John had to leave work in March, and he became a stay-at-home Dad to our four children while I've been here by Kai's side.

“My house has turned into a hospital – it's so hard on the kids.”

The financial burden has also been taking a toll on the family, with Danielle having to pay for her accommodation whilst Kai is in Temple Street, as well as meals for herself, whilst trying to keep her home afloat.

The Rogers-Dempsey family are incredibly grateful for the generosity of their community.

Danielle said: “I'm so grateful for everyone helping in any way they can. It's amazing.”

The Annual Edenderry Light Up tractor run is set to take place on December 7 at 6pm.

To donate to their GoFundMe, search 'Helping a family with a sick baby' by Keara Cullen, or go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-a-family-with-a-sick-baby