Fundraising campaign started for young Mullingar woman

A fundraising campaign is under way to help a young Mullingar woman receive medical treatment overseas .

Twenty-four-year-old Chloe Greene has been battling an extremely rare infection in her spinal cord for the last two years.

Three years ago Chloe graduated from NUI Galway, a day that was filled with pride, excitement and anticipation for a bright future.

However, just a few months later Chloe's world was turned upside down when in August 2017, she suffered a stroke as a result of a blood clot on the brain.

After two thrombectomy surgeries to remove the blood clot, an external drain to relieve pressure on the brain, and a tracheotomy, Chloe defied all odds and began showing positive signs of recovery, with plans to go to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire.

Unfortunately during Chloe's recovery, she began experiencing severe pain and stiffness in her neck and an MRI revealed a lesion compressing Chloe's spinal cord.

Experiencing difficulty walking and unable to lift her arms, Chloe was taken into emergency surgery to remove the lesion and decompress her spinal cord, which involved removing the lamina from three vertebrae in her cervical spine.

This was the first of many spinal surgeries.

Chloe was diagnosed with a rare central nervous system infection, Aspergillosis.

To date, Chloe has had 10 major surgeries, many of which were high risk operations on her spine.

The most recent surgery has left her with no mobility in her left leg and very weak movement in her left hand.

Chloe's brother, Adrian, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help Chloe receive treatment overseas.

"Right now there are doctors from all over the world, including London and Texas who are interested in helping Chloe," states Adrian on the GoFundMe page.

"In the long term, these funds will go towards the rehabilitation that Chloe will need after recovering from this.

"This includes physiotherapy, medication and any other unforeseen expenses while she is recovering from her many surgeries.

"She's had numerous surgeries, the most recent one five weeks ago has left her with no movement in her left leg, and unable to walk.

"This infection has eluded the doctors for quite a while and they are now sending her overseas to seek other experts’ advice and treatment options."

Adrian says Chloe is a kind, generous and loving girl, as anyone who has met her knows.

"Chloe has participated in the VHI Women's mini-marathon for the ISCC to raise money and awareness for ulcerative colitis, which she has suffered from, just a few months before her stroke. While recovering in the NRH she set up a fundraiser for ABI Ireland.

"Chloe has shown huge amounts of strength and positivity throughout this long illness. She is a warrior, but now she needs your help in this battle.

"We would really appreciate your donations, support and prayers," he finishes.