A fundraising appeal has been launched to support 11-year-old Izzy Sallis from Mullagh, Galway, whose life was catastrophically changed following scoliosis surgery last year.
Izzy, a pupil at Scoil Íosa, Oranmore, was admitted to hospital in September 2025 for a planned scoliosis operation. As part of the procedure, she was due to receive a halo neck stabilisation device to improve her comfort and quality of life. Tragically, during surgery, Izzy suffered severe injuries to her brain stem and spinal cord.
The injuries have left Izzy paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe independently. She has remained on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at Crumlin Children’s Hospital since October 2025.
Her mother, Deborah Lyons, says the family is now facing a future they never imagined. Izzy is expected to require lifelong, 24-hour care, including specialist medical equipment, mobility aids, home adaptations and accessible transport. The family may also need to explore further medical treatments in the future.
For more information, visit https://gofund.me/e49b58d87. Funds raised will help ease the financial burden of Izzy’s long-term care and improve her quality of life.
