An inspiring story of a young man, with the determination not to let a life changing event impede on his goals for the future.
Jack Kavanagh is a 21 year old pharmacy student, who in August of 2012, while on holiday with friends, suffered a freak accident after diving into a wave, which broke his neck. It was only after spending weeks in intensive care, followed by more time in the Mater Hospital Spinal Unit, that Jack could even relearn to breath unaided. Currently, Jack has no feeling below his upper chest, limited use of his arms, and no use of his hands or fingers.
Jack, even after such a life changing event, is still fully focused on completing his degree and building a life for himself, but this is a task which will take a huge amount of effort and require a great deal of support. It is for this reason that the Jack Kavanagh fund has been set up, to help Jack achieve these goals and assist with the multitude of costs associated with this, such as full time care assistance, physiotherapy and equipment.
Jack had been told by specialists that it will be difficult to go back to college, but he has overcome this, returning to college and living on campus with the support of family, friends and carers. He was also told he is not likely to be able to transfer himself from his bed to his wheelchair, or into a car, without support, another assumption made on his abilities that he is motivated to prove false.
Medical teams have praised the progress Jack has made already, saying he is defying the norms for the severity of the injury he has suffered, and it is this progress that Jack wishes to continue, with a little help from all of us. Ultimately, his goal is to continue to recover to attain the most from life he can.
Medipharm are delighted to be in a position to offer assistance to the fund. Other groups have been offering support in the past also, many of these being high profile, with numerous events and fundraisers being held for the fund. The most current of which, is a charity rugby event, backed by Leinster rugby and Irish players Rob Kearney, Jonathan Sexton and more.
The event set for the 20 schools face Spiritan (Holy Ghost) schools. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jack Kavanagh Trust. For more details, or to make a donation, please visit www.jackkavanaghtrust.com .
