The family of a Dromore man living with a “debilitating” hernia are pleading for public support to help secure “life-saving” surgery and help give “our dad back”.
Chuck Louden, who has been living with a painful hernia following a devastating bowel perforation in 2022, has been “robbed” of his life, say his family.
His son, Ryan has been engaged in a long-running battle to help secure his father treatment ever since, saying that “watching him suffer every single day is heart-breaking”.
Said Ryan: “The pain has robbed him of so much. He can no longer enjoy the life he once had, and even the simplest everyday tasks have become a struggle.”
In a bid to secure treatment, the family reached out to media and shared their story with Belfast Live in 2022. Sadly, they say their hopes that things would improve thereafter, were dashed and they continue to this day to fight to get him the help he “desperately needs”.
According to a more recent article by the publication, Chuck needs to wear a special belt to “hold his stomach together”.
They say the NHS in Northern Ireland has informed them that the “specialist operation” Chuck needs cannot be carried out here “because there are no surgeons with the required training”.
Instead, Chuck would have to travel to the England or France for the surgery… all the while left managing his painful condition in constant hope of a resolution.
The front view of Chuck’s incredibly painful hernia
They are also of the understanding that the NHS must apply for funding before treatment can proceed. They say they have “no idea how long this process could take”.
“After everything my dad has already endured, we simply don’t feel he can afford to wait any longer,” said Ryan. “He has already suffered for far too long, which is why we’ve decided to do everything we can ourselves to raise the money and hopefully get him the treatment he so desperately needs as soon as possible.”
The family have now launched a GoFundMe page to help bring in a whopping £12,000 to ensure their loved one is freed from discomfort and can return to his normal life.
Added Ryan: “Living with this level of pain every day has taken a huge toll, not only on his physical health but also on his mental health. He now suffers from depression, and as a family it is devastating to watch someone we love lose so much of the life they once had.
“We just want our dad back. We want to see him smile again, enjoy time with his family, and be able to live without constant pain overshadowing every day.”
They are eternally grateful for all donations, no matter how big or small and for all the messages, prayers and words of support sent their way.
“Please help us give my dad the chance to live a life free from constant pain. Every donation, every share and every kind word brings us one step closer to hope,” said Ryan.
Eager to assist, Alderman Paul Rankin – a personal friend of Chuck’s – said he will be writing to the Health Trust on his behalf.
You can make a contribution to Chuck’s GoFundMe page here.
