'Positive stories compel me to push forward': Fundraiser for Cork dad diagnosed with MND

A CORK father of three, Bryan O’Brien, who was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) says that every day “presents its challenges”, but positive diagnoses stories compel him to push forward.

A fundraising page, set up by the 41-year-old’s friends, to support him on his journey with the disease, is active via GoFundMe, with donations standing at just under €70,000 out of the €500,000 target.

Funds raised will be used for essential modifications to accommodate the Carrigaline man’s changing mobility and to explore cutting-edge medical treatments, which he is seeking in America.

Donations will also enable him to access assistive technologies for people suffering from paralysis.

Since his diagnosis at the end of February, Bryan has already faced significant challenges to his quality of life.

“I was diagnosed after undergoing tests for what seemed like an innocent back injury,” he said. “I kept hearing words like ‘rare’ and ‘accelerated’, which was quite scary. At first, no one knew what it was, and new symptoms kept appearing rapidly.

“The speed and intensity of my symptoms surprised my neurologists, doctors, and nurses from day one.

“However, sometimes stories are more powerful than any diagnostic or scientific test outcome,” he added.

“I’ve now become aware of other MND patients who presented like me initially, with a rapid burst of symptom onset, and then plateaued suddenly. Some are still living over a decade later. Fully paralysed and needing significant care — but most importantly, alive.

“Every day presents its challenges, but these tangible positive stories have compelled me to push forward now.

“My motivation is my wife, Charlotte, and our three beautiful children, Elle (6), Jesse (3), and Ty (11 months). They’re my driving force, my reason to keep going. Every single added day with them is precious.”

Speaking on the fundraiser, Charlotte O’Brien said: “This fundraiser means everything to us. Every donation, every gesture of support, is a lifeline for our young family.

“This is a situation we never envisioned finding ourselves in, but we are, and this campaign is invaluable. This is our reality, our battle, and we need this, for Bryan, for our children, for our family’s future.”

The O’Brien’s have pledged any remaining funds from the fundraiser to support research and development efforts to find a cure for MND.

• For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/our-buddy-bryan.