Bob underwent major brain surgery at the age of 11 and spent three months in hospital. While in recovery he was approached by Make-A-Wish Ireland. Bob had never been on an aeroplane and really wanted to fly. Make-A-Wish made it possible for Bob and his mum to be VIP guests at Dublin airport where they boarded a Boeing 747, bound for New York, which flew to Shannon. Not only was he able to fly in a 747, at a time when air travel was less common, but he also had the full experience of being able to meet the pilot and be shown around the cockpit as well!
This experience filled him and his family with optimism, and they were able to view their situation with more hope and positivity than ever before. He recalls the boredom and frustration of being in hospital for so long and the joy of ‘escaping’ by going to the airport and on a plane. It acted as a catalyst for him, with Bob saying that he really thinks it impacted his recovery!
Today Bob is doing well, and together he and his Wife Breege have a son named Cormac who is turning 10 soon. The same age Bob was when he had his wish granted! Bob is also now a patient advocate for others with pituitary gland tumours like he had, giving back to help other people just like him.
