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The inspirational Faversham woman who is battling both cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension faces her second round of “miracle treatment”.
Brave Roisin Kelleher, 20, was the first person in the UK to receive stem cell treatment for cystic fibrosis and she describes the effects as “nothing more than a miracle”.
She hasn’t needed to stay in hospital and hasn’t needed IVs (intravenous therapy) for more than four months which is the longest she has gone without it since she was about 10 years old.
Thousands of donations flooded in last year to help Roisin, of Whitstable Road, who was about to be placed on the double lung transplant list.
She flew to the Dominican Republic to receive the groundbreaking treatment, which is not accredited in the UK because of a lack of trials and research.
One treatment is, unfortunately, just the start for Roisin and she is flying back to the Dominican Republic in August to begin a second bout of surgery, but she needs your help.
Last time, Roisin and her mother Anntoinette discovered they would need to raise £55,000 to fund the treatment, but this time they need just £10,000 after an overwhelming response from donors.
Roisin said: “I’m still on some medications and I have to remember that the stem cell treatment is a treatment and not a cure, but I want to throw everything at the cystic fibrosis to give myself the best chance possible to avoid a lung transplant and live a full life.
“I feel better every day. So many things have happened since the stem cells, little things which seem insignificant but mean the world to me, fighting off a cold by myself, walking up the stairs, not missing a day of school.
“Every day is amazing as I can breathe easier and I’m still reeling and so touched by the amazing support and generosity shown by so many people in the Faversham community.”
“Every day is amazing as I can breathe easier and I’m still reeling and so touched by the amazing support and generosity shown by so many people in the Faversham community.” - Roisin
Roisin has gone from a 10% attendance record at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School to 100% and has finally managed to finish her A-levels, two years later than planned.
In September, she will embark on yet another adventure and a “dream come true”, studying psychology at Christchurch University.
But she has a long road to tackle before she begins her course with an ENT operation next month to drain her infected sinus fluids and the second round of stem cell treatment in August.
Anntoinette is Roisin’s stem cell donor and they will fly out to the Dominican Republic on August 14, returning on August 26.
Roisin said: “I know what to expect this time and the nerves and fears from last time are gone and I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements I’ll make after a second treatment.
“A lung transplant is still not off the cards. I want to keep as many options open but given how well I have responded to the stem cells after just one treatment, I’m incredibly hopeful that I will never reach the stage where I need a transplant.
“I’m excited to start university and I can’t actually believe I’m going as this seemed like an impossible dream not too long ago.
“I hope the students and staff at Christchurch are as lovely as those at the QEGS as they have shown me so much support and kindness. I want to thank everyone for their ongoing support - it has been overwhelming.”
