Miracle boy Mark’s first steps that defied science

A three-year-old Galway boy took to the dancefloor to a standing ovation last weekend – defying the doctors who said he would never walk.

There was a standing ovation for three year old Mark Dolan from Ahascragh, as he paraded across the dance floor of a Ballinasloe hotel.

More than 400 turned out for a welcome home event for brave boy last weekend as his community and friends celebrated the fact that he can now look forward to enjoying a normal life.

Initially Mark was a little shy given the fact that there was such a large crowd in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe – but then at one point he embarked on a walk across the floor and everyone stood and clapped.

Indeed such is the positive prognosis for Mark now that additional surgery in a couple of years’ time could see him running and even playing football.

Recently Mark returned from St Louis, Missouri after undergoing successful surgery and shortly after that he took the first four unaided steps of his life.

Mark and his twin sister Maeve were born prematurely on August 9, 2012.

Initially Mark seemed like any other typically developing infant – but subsequent tests showed that Mark suffered from a motor delay which primarily affected his lower limbs.

Parents Fidelma and Kevin were told that he could be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life.

It was then they learned that he could receive surgery in America that could rectify the situation. That involved a six hour long operation on his lower body.

And it could not have happened without a major fundraising campaign that was initiated locally – in just 15 weeks an incredible €216,000 was raised by a committee that was established last July.

Chairman Seamus Concannon informed the gathering that it was the incredible community spirit that ensured that Mark not only received surgery in the States but that he can also look forward to further treatment in Limerick over the next three years.

“Enough funds have also been raised for Mark to return to St Louis in two years time for further surgery which should ensure that he will not just walk but more than likely run and probably kick a football in the future,” Seamus added.

Fidelma Dolan addressed the crowd and reflected on the first time that she and Kevin were informed of Mark’s condition and were told that he was not suitable for surgery.

She thanked the fundraising committee for their tremendous work in ensuring that Mark received the surgery he needed and added that they were a lucky family to have such a supportive community behind them.