Help for Mags

Margaret Deane Smith, known to all as Mags, hails from Glenamoy in the parish of Kilcommon in Co. Mayo. She is the daughter of Betty and the late Anthony Deane. While working in New York in the 1990s she met her future husband Kevin. Mags and Kevin returned to Ireland, married and settled in Kevin’s home County of Cavan. They had three beautiful girls and life seemed to be perfect. In addition to caring for her family Mags was a Special Needs Assistant in a local school where she cared for many students with special needs and learning difficulties. Mags was also a very active member of her community and although living in Cavan, is an ardent supporter of CLG Chill Chomáin, her home club in Mayo, as well as a passionate supporter of her beloved Mayo GAA football team.

Who is Mags?

Margaret Deane Smith, known to all as Mags, hails from Glenamoy in the parish of Kilcommon in Co. Mayo. She is the daughter of Betty and the late Anthony Deane. While working in New York in the 1990s she met her future husband Kevin. Mags and Kevin returned to Ireland, married and settled in Kevin’s home County of Cavan. They had three beautiful girls and life seemed to be perfect. In addition to caring for her family Mags was a Special Needs Assistant in a local school where she cared for many students with special needs and learning difficulties. Mags was also a very active member of her community and although living in Cavan, is an ardent supporter of CLG Chill Chomáin, her home club in Mayo, as well as a passionate supporter of her beloved Mayo GAA football team.

Mags’ Journey:

Mags’ struggle began almost two decades ago when she first started experiencing severe back pain. Despite undergoing numerous surgeries and various pain management treatments, her condition has progressively worsened. It took the past few years to properly identify the cause of the chronic pain and problems with balance. This has resulted in greater deterioration health wise with mobility, muscle wastage, pain levels and further problems with her spine. She has been diagnosed with a condition called Sagittal Imbalance Kyphosis which severely affects her spinal alignment causing deformity. Mags’ daily life has been a constant battle
against debilitating pain. Simple activities that we take for granted like walking, standing, sitting etc. are excruciatingly painful and for a large part of the day she is bed bound. She needs to mobilise with crutches but is unable to walk very far. She needs assistance with daily tasks – cooking, cleaning etc.
Despite her strong spirit, this condition is progressively taking a toll on her physical and emotional wellbeing.

A Glimmer of Hope:

Recently, Mags was presented with a beacon of hope. After extensive consultations with medical professionals, it has been determined that a specialised surgical procedure is Mags’ best hope for relief and regaining a semblance of normality. This treatment has shown promising results for individuals with conditions similar to Mags and represents her last hope for a life free from chronic pain. The procedure will take place in London and in addition to the surgery Mags will need fourteen days of post-operative intensive care.
However, the cost of this life-changing surgery, which is estimated will cost in excess €200,000, is beyond what her family can manage alone. Your generosity will not only contribute towards the surgery but also provide postoperative care and therapy that Mags needs to recover fully.