Cork student born without right arm sets up fundraiser for a bionic prosthetic
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Cork student Cathal Hourigan who was born without his right arm has set up a Go Fund me to raise money for a bionic arm so he can “live independently.”
The 22-year-old from Mallow was born with a condition called amniotic band syndrome and is seeking donations from the public in order to raise approximately €50,000 for a bionic arm.
In an interview on the , Cathal admitted that he "felt different" growing up without his right arm.
Cathal used to wear prosthetic arms throughout his childhood primarily for cosmetic purposes that regularly needed to be replaced but said it does not fulfil his needs and he requires something more technologically advanced to help him in day to day life.
Recently, Cathal went to Otto Bock in Cork which makes technologically advanced bionic prosthetic arms, which quoted him €50,000 for the functioning bionic arm.
The Cork company will design the arm to Cathal's specifications and he will undergo a four month training period in order to learn how to operate the new bionic arm.
Cathal says he is disappointed that the HSE does not fund bionic arms for amputees, as they give people a huge amount more freedom.
Cathal is hopeful that he will achieve his funding goal and when he finally gets his bionic arm, it will give him a confidence boost in his personal and professional life:
“I am tired of feeling the odd one out. Even something as simple as going for a handshake... I have to shake with my left hand and sometimes that makes people feel awkward.”
So far, Cathal has raised over €8,000 and has said people’s generosity has been “amazing.”
- If you wish to donate to Cathal's fundraiser you can do so on his GoFundMe page.