Fundraiser for Kells student injured in Chicago crash

The family of a 22 year-old Kells student who suffered serious injuries in a car crash in Chicago have been overwhelmed by the generous response to a Gofundme campaign set up to help with his medical expenses.

Shane Campbell, a student of Maynooth University, went to Chicago to work for the summer, like so many Irish students. Unfortunately, his American dream turned into a nightmare as the taxi he was a passenger in was involved in a horrific car crash. As a result, Shane has been a patient in John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County since 5th June.

Shane, a son of David and Jean Campbell, was initially maintained in an induced coma and intubated. As well as several broken bones, more seriously, Shane suffered significant abdominal trauma which has required 10 surgical procedures to date and may require more in the future. He has improved, is awake and cognitive, but faces a long road to recovery. He needs several more weeks of medical care in John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County followed by months of rehab.

David McManus of Drumbaragh Emmets GFC, who has set up a fundraiser for Shane explains: "Shane did have travel insurance, and this will cover his basic medical needs. However, we all know how expensive medical care is in the US, so his insurance falls short of covering everything, and will not cover any of his rehab care."

The Gofundme page was launched on Monday 1st July and within 24 hours had received a phenomenal 900 donations totalling €40,000, and the money continues to come in.

"The support from everyone in Kells, all around Ireland, Chicago and everywhere as been overwhelming. Thank you to everyone, you are all amazing. Please continue with all the prayers too," says Shane's worried mother, Jean who is at his bedside in Chicago, having flown from Ireland to be with him. She will remain there for the months ahead.

Shane is also supported in hospital by his twin brother, Niall, who was also in Chicago for the summer. Shane's sister, Grace and father, have stayed, for now, in Kells.

Both Shane and Niall graduated this year and Shane had been planning to start a masters degree to become a teacher.

"Shane is still intubated but very lightly sedated, he's alert and responding. He's been having some breathing issues due to a sternum fracture more than likely caused by his seatbelt. In order to correct this and help his breathing he will be having surgery to insert a small plate to support and repair which will benefit him greatly then he will be able to breath with ease on his own," explains David McManus.

"The seat belt severely damaged his intestines, he has a broken leg, broken wrist. Time will tell if he makes a full recovery.

"He will have up to six more weeks in hospital and six weeks rehabilitation in US. He is not fit to fly home."

Shane was a talented footballer with Drumbaragh Emmets and soccer player with Kells Celtic.

"He is the grandson of the late Michéal Campbell who trained the Meath team in 1970, getting to an All-Ireland final that year," says David.

Fundraisers are being held for Shane around the world.

"Shane was born in New York. His parents worked in New York for 20 years and they are hoping for the community over there to dig deep.Clubs from across the US and Australia are running various events to raise funds. Chicago aim to raise between 10-15k alone!

"There has been a fantastic response so far. We wouldn't expect anything less from the people of Kells, the GAA community and the diaspora around the globe.

"Shane is a much-loved son, brother, colleague, and teammate within our community. His family are known far and wide from Manhattan to Meath. But now they need your help. Shane has shown great courage in his progress so far and is determined to fully recover and get home. Please help support him and his family through this difficult time.

"We need to raise as much as we can for Shane and his family - there is no definitive figure how much Shane's rehabilitation will cost - so we need to keep going," says David.

"All monies received will help alleviate the financial costs already incurred and finance Shane's future rehab and care to restore him to full health."

Donations can be made at https://gofund.me/f62b070b