From the beginning...
As a mother, Catherine O'Leary was constantly on the go - always putting others first before herself. Despite complaining of constant hiccups and headaches for more than a year.
Like every mom, Catherine's life revolved around her loving son Brandon. There was never a second the doting mother stopped talking about her son.
The growth was only discovered after Catherine pleaded with hospital chiefs for a brain scan. As well as the headaches, the 31 year old suffered persistent hiccups for three years before she was properly diagnosed.
Father, Patrick O'Leary slammed the years of incompetence which led the mother-of-one suffering two strokes during the operation to remove the tumour.
Despite it all, health bosses had refused to transfer Catherine to the Nation Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire for physiotherapy which she desperately needed if she was to make any kind of recovery.
She is unable to speak, swallow or move and can only communicate by blinking her eyes.
Father Pat, said that the lack of treatment available is a national disgrace. Before the hiccups Catherine was perfectly healthy.
"The doctors kept prescribing her tablets, at one stage they even said she may be anorexic! She had to literally beg for a brain scan. I'm not having it anymore, Catherine Said."
Catherine went into hospital for surgery in February 2008, two weeks after she forced the hospital to give her a brain scan.
She's got a 14 year old son Brandon, who is in secondary school in his home town of Carrigaline. Brandon also cannot wait to have his mum back in a comfortable place.
An extension was built in Catherine's parents home in Carrigaline at the start of 2013 following a decision to allow Catherine home for short periods of time.
To Date...
A High Court judge has awarded her 2.5million in damages against the HSE in November.
The settlement was without admission of liability.
Ms Justice Mary Irvine said it was as “absolute tragedy” but that the case was a difficult one.
Irish Times Coverage: https://bit.ly/35sYWMv
Update: 2013
Work had began on our parents home in Carrigaline in 2012 - consisting of a fully equipped extension and wet room to facilitate Catherine's return home which in turn will be like a "Mini Hospital" and we're still in the process of trying to sort Catherines nursing care.
The construction in Carrigaline has been completed since early 2013. We have slowly started returning Catherine home at short periods of time. Catherine recently stayed at home for a full night and absolutely enjoyed the experience and was totally relaxed being in a homely environment.
Update: May 2020
Catherine currently resides at our parents specially adapted home in Carrigaline, Co. Cork.
Catherine is cared for 24/7 by one carer, and a nurse who visits for 2 hours every day.
Our family spend over 10 hours per day with Catherine, ensuring is comfortable and content. Presently Catherine is doing well, and in good spirits.
Kind words by Irish musician Declan O'Rourke:
