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22 Sept 2025

'He spent his first Christmas in an incubator. Yet, he continues to amaze us all.'

'We are eternally grateful and so, so proud to be part of Drumshanbo and its surrounding communities. You carried us during our darkest days. And now, you are part of Harrison’s light.'

'He spent his first Christmas in an incubator. Yet, he continues to amaze us all.'

Harrison when he left hospital and at 10 months!

"He is always smiling and such a happy little chappy and I wanted to say 'thank you' to everyone a long time ago but life got in the way."
Leitrim grandmother of a baby who was diagnosed with Spina Bifida before he was born has spoken of how the community came together to do everything possible to help Harrison during what was a very dark time for the family. 
Alison Smith, who has lived in Drumshanbo for 17 years said that her son Eoin and his fiancée Abby found out at 17 weeks that their son Harrison had Spina Bifida during a scan.
Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, she said that Harrison's first ten weeks were spent in Temple Street and he was there during his first Christmas.
She explained that Abby was offered a pioneering fetal surgery in Belgium to give Harrison a better start in life after the diagnosis — an operation that involved opening her womb to perform delicate surgery on Harrison while he was still growing inside her.
Alison said: "With Spina Bifida, a child has fluid on the brain and because Harrison had the operation, they were able to stop the fluid there and then so he only has a little bit now that they need to manage and he has been managing that quite well. He is 10 months now."
She continued: "His back is fine; there is a scar from where the operation was; they had to take skin from somewhere else to patch it up. He has full movement in his legs, his hips and below the knees. We are just waiting now on movement from his feet because they are doing operations. Both his feet were clubbed and turned the other way but they are working on that now. Between age four and five, that will be corrected completely."
Harrison had Myelomeningocele, the most severe type of spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spinal canal remains open, exposing the spinal cord and nerves through a sac on the baby's back. 
Alison said that because of this, the operation was "vital" and the "surgeon in Belgium was amazing". The surgery involved removing her womb from her stomach in order to operate on Harrison. 

She explained: "Although the surgery itself was covered, the costs of travel, accommodation and the emotional support they needed were not."

READ MORE: Five features and seven shorts filmed in Leitrim over the past year

Alison said that while in Berlin, her friend Ursula Flynn together with "Zona, Aoife, Emma, Karen, Dara, Geraldine, Amy and Rachel, rallied everyone around, gathering sponsors and organising the most incredible fundraising events. From the iDonate page which successfully raised a huge amount of funds from family, friends, neighbours and so many people we don’t know who have been incredibly kind hearted to the bake sale, family fun day, raffle, quiz night and auction, they poured their hearts into creating something truly memorable and special. Their kindness and determination made it possible for Eoin and Abby to focus on Harrison and for that we will always be deeply grateful."

After her surgery in Belgium, Aliso returned home and weeks later, gave birth to Harrison via emergency C-section—more than nine weeks early. Alison said that despite having undergone major surgery just weeks before, she "still made her way to NICU as soon as she could. Eoin and Abby never left Harrison’s side."

Alison told us: "Harrison spent his first 10 weeks in Temple Street Hospital. He spent his first Christmas in an incubator. Yet, he continues to amaze us all. He’s fought through impossible odds with the gentlest, strongest spirit."

She continued: "Today, Harrison is doing incredibly well. He is happy, beautiful, funny, and strong. He goes up and down between Temple Street and Crumlin for hospital visits every week and concentrating on the feet. He has casts on both legs every Friday; they cut the Achilles tendon and then reshape the foot. His amazing parents catheterize him three times a day to help his kidneys and the grandparents have learned how to help too."

She added: "We are so proud to say that Abby completed her final year in college and passed with brilliant results, all while caring for Harrison. Eoin is thriving in his fourth year of his apprenticeship and is an outstanding father."

She said that thanks to his parents relentless love and devotion, "Harrison lives a normal life."

She spoke of how local GAA teams—Allen Gaels and St. Francis Ladies (junior and senior)—came together on St. Stephen’s Day for a "fun, friendly match" with lots of locals coming out to show support. "After the match, they generously presented Eoin, Abby and Harrison with a cheque to help ease the financial burden. It was a beautiful moment, and we are truly grateful."

The  family later received a donation from the proceeds of the Tony McGowan Run, a local event held in memory of another much-loved father. 

Alison said: "We would also like to sincerely thank the many sponsors, donors, and supporters who gave so generously to Harrison’s fundraiser. Your kindness made a world of difference: Mayflower Committee, Raise, Campbell Meats, Le Belle Fleur, Moorlands, Leitrim Inn, Centra/Hegartys, Gala/Scollans, Mace/McCormacks, RJS Pharmacy, Cara Pharmacy, Serenity Works, The Shed, Fergal McPartland, Fringe Hairdressers, McMorrows, Grier Maintenance, Mart Stores, Neil Scollans, Joe Mooney, Carrick Craft, Clement Gaffney, Fanning Bros, Mc Niffes, An Tostal, Dul Arís, Mareasa, DJ Magoo, Kevin Blessing, Dessie Doyle, Berry’s Tavern, Drumshanbo Credit Union, Jack Conan, Lough Eske Castle Hotel."

She added a "very heartfelt thank you to Fr. Frankie and the Poor Clare Sisters—your prayers and kindness will never be forgotten"

Your generosity, along with the support of countless friends, neighbours, and well-wishers, is something our family will never forget.

To everyone who supported this journey: with kind words, prayers, candles lit, donations, sponsorships, raffle prizes, quiz nights, matches, hugs, and every gesture of kindness—thank you.

READ MORE: Leitrim County Council votes against backing Maria Steen for the Áras

We are eternally grateful and so, so proud to be part of Drumshanbo and its surrounding communities. You carried us during our darkest days. And now, you are part of Harrison’s light."

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