Lifesaving Spinal Surgery for Iris

My beloved wife, Iris Powell, was injured in a road accident at Easter in 2017. She suffered damage to her neck, having previously been in exceptionally good health and fitness. The injury is extremely difficult to diagnose (atlantoaxial instability and left facet joint dislocation) which meant it took some years to properly identify and resulted in her deteriorating greatly. She also suffers hind brain herniation which affects her mobility, pain levels and cognition. Iris has recently started seizures, paralysis and loss of speech. Her memory is also impaired. Quite simply, this multiple facetted injury is life threatening and Iris faces further deterioration and ultimately paralysis.

Now, she needs to mobilise with crutches or with a wheelchair all of the time. She needs assistance with many daily tasks. Traction to her neck improves her mobility and pain levels but is only a stop gap. Physiotherapy has not provided a solution and her condition continues to deteriorate. Iris has seen numerous spinal surgeons in Ireland and the UK who have advised that she will require surgery to fuse the spine to alleviate the instability. There are no surgeons in Ireland or the UK who can do fusion, meaning her only options are in Spain or the USA.

I am supported by my son, Thomas, who has given up college and work to help Iris and me, in what is a most difficult time.

I am seeking help to fund the surgeries and rehabilitation afterwards, which could take twelve months.