The 29-year-old has been placed in a medically induced coma
Aoife Cahill
A fundraiser has been launched to support an ‘adventurous’ young woman from Co Clare who suffered a ‘sudden and traumatic accident’ while travelling abroad.
Aoife Cahill, from Clonfadda in Killaloe, is currently in a medically induced coma after sustaining serious injuries from a fall while rock climbing in Vietnam on Friday, December 19. She has been living in Perth in Australia for the past three years, and had travelled to Vietnam to meet friends during her Christmas holidays when the accident occurred.
The 29-year-old was rushed to the hospital following the incident, where she underwent brain surgery, and she remains under sedation while doctors allow the swelling on her brain to reduce. According to her family, Aoife was cared for with “incredible kindness” by a Good Samaritan named Catherine, who witnessed what happened and stayed with her, ensuring she was not alone during those critical first days.
The incident comes during a difficult time for the Cahill family as Aoife’s mum Janette passed away following a short illness almost exactly one year to the day that Aoife suffered her horrific accident. Aoife, who worked as a secretary for a medical consultant at University Hospital Limerick before relocating to Australia, continues to receive vital medical care, and her family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring her back home to continue her treatment in Ireland.
The campaign was set up just four days ago, but has already raised over €50k as donations flood in from around the world. The money raised from the GoFundMe page will go towards Aoife’s emergency and ongoing medical care in Vietnam, as well as hospital and specialist treatment costs. The funds will help cover the cost of medical transport and repatriation to bring Aoife home, as well as associated travel and logistical expenses for her care.
In a message shared on the fundraising page, Aoife’s brother Ruairi said: “We are raising funds for our beloved Aoife Cahill, who was seriously injured while travelling in Vietnam. Aoife was involved in a sudden and traumatic accident and is currently in an induced coma as doctors work to stabilise her condition.
“This has been an unimaginable shock for her family and friends. Aoife is receiving medical care far from home, and the costs involved are significant and ongoing.
“Alongside her immediate medical treatment, there will be substantial expenses for hospital care, specialist treatment, and ultimately arranging for Aoife to be safely transported home once she is well enough to travel. Aoife is a kind, warm, and adventurous person who brings so much light to the lives of those around her. Right now, she needs all the support we can give her.
“We are asking for help to ease the financial burden on Aoife and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Ruairi, who arrived in Vietnam earlier this week to be by his sister’s side in hospital, added: “Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to Aoife and her family. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach as many people as possible. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity, and support during this critical time.”
If you would like to make a donation to support Aoife and her family, you can visit the fundraising page here.