In the Clouds For A Cause: Kildare Mother's Skydiving Dare To Fight EB

Monday, 19 February 2024 14:40

By Martin Osborne

The funds raised will support the national EB charity Debra.

A mother of three from Kildare is taking on a skydiving challenge to shed light on a painful and incurable skin condition.

Liz O’Donoghue, a primary school special needs assistant (SNA) from Johnstownbridge, has decided to embark on her first-ever parachute jump, drawing inspiration from the remarkable courage of an 11-year-old girl, Casey Connors, who battles with epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

EB, also known as Butterfly Skin due to the skin's fragility, causes excruciating blisters with the slightest touch due to the absence of essential proteins binding the skin.

Casey, who resides near the Liffey Valley shopping center, faces these challenges daily but continues to attend school like any other child her age.

Liz's encounter with EB began when she became Casey's full-time classroom helper at St Ronan's National School in Clondalkin, Dublin.

Shocked by the severity of the illness, Liz resolved to raise awareness by taking on the daring skydive, scheduled for next month.

The funds raised will support the national EB charity Debra, benefiting Casey, her family, and 300 other individuals in Ireland affected by the condition.

Despite Casey's relentless battle, she seldom complains and remains cheerful.

Liz describes her as having a great sense of humour.

Casey's daily routine involves enduring bandage changes and being fed through a tube called a PEG, inserted into her stomach, a process she finds particularly challenging.

On March 10th, Liz will take the leap above the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue, Co Offaly, for the tandem jump with an instructor.

Already, Liz has raised an impressive €5,340 for Debra, but further donations are welcome here.