University and Students Union join forces to back Conor Burke fundraising appeal

Dublin Technological University and its Student Union body have joined forces to back a fundraising campaign for 22-year-old Conor Burke, from Bealnamulla.

Conor's family are in the process of raising €160,000 for a specialised spinal fusion operation in Barcelona later this year.

A fourth year student of International Business and Languages in TU Dublin, Conor has been diagnosed with a very rare condition known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS.

EDS is a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissues, affect a person's joints, bladder control, as well as causing digestive problems. Since his initial diagnosis, the young Bealnamulla man has also been diagnosed with advanced craniocervical instability (CCI), atlantoaxial instability (AAI), and brainstem compression, and he urgently needs surgery to stop the progression of his illness.

As a child, Conor always dreamed of travelling the world, which led to him studying International Business and Languages at TU Dublin. He is now in his final year studying online, but unfortunately, the last few years have brought many challenges, and he now uses a power chair full-time and requires a neck brace to keep his head up. Conor also needs full-time care provided at home by his family.

His family feel his only hope of slowing down the progression of his disease is to get a highly-specialised and costly spinal surgical procedure which is only available in Barcelona. But, unfortunately, they are not entitled to any financial assistance from the HSE for this procedure and must raise the €160,000 themselves.

Conor's plight prompted TU Dublin and its Students Union to call on the university's network of students, alumni, staff and community partners to support the fundraising appeal to help him and his family in their time of need.

Speaking about the fundraising appeal, TU Dublin Students' Union President, Mark O'Donnell and Deputy President, Lesley Barrett said: "It is part of the vision of TU Dublin students' union that each TU Dublin student will have a positive and transformative experience and, we do what we can to support and advise students to enact this. We would like to show our support and admiration for Conor's determination and bravery by supporting the fundraising efforts being undertaken. The funds raised will be used to provide the lifesaving operation Conor needs. We are joining TU Dublin in asking, students, staff, and alumni to donate to this fund if they can and share it widely so Conor can get the medical intervention needed. Please give any amount you can."

They have asked for donations to be made to Conor Burke's Go Fund Me page : Conor's Journey and to please share Conor's story with family and friends.