A young mother whose little girl has stopped talking hopes "dolphin therapy" will help her daughter to speak again.
Mrs Bernie Kelleher and her husband, Tom, hope the revolutionary therapy will help their eldest daughter, Ann Marie (4), recover her ability to communicate and co-ordinate her actions.
Ann Marie, from Killavullen in north Cork, suddenly stopped talking when she was 16 months and retreated into a world of her own. "Doctors believe she may have Retts Syndrome - a rare brain disorder which affects communication and co-ordination. She was like any toddler saying `Mamma' and `Dadda' until she reached 16 months, when she suddenly stopped," said Mrs Kelleher. The Kellehers began researching the condition and discovered that a doctor in Miami used dolphins to help overcome it. They forwarded all Ann Marie's medical notes to Dr David Nathanson at the Dolphin Human Therapy Centre in Miami.
"He studied all Anne Marie's notes and said he felt she would be a suitable candidate for dolphin human therapy," explained the parents, who have a second daughter, Caitriona (1 1/2 years).
Retts Syndrome means Ann Marie cannot communicate or co-ordinate her movements so she uses a special walker to get about. The Kellehers believe Dr Nathanson's pioneering therapy with dolphins is her best chance of making the most of her life.
"She can understand what we're saying, but she can't talk or make gestures so it can become very frustrating for her," said Bernie.
"The therapy involves taking Ann Marie out in a boat in the bay and then, hopefully, one dolphin will interact with her. But that dolphin will only work with Ann Marie if he feels he's getting some interaction from her. "The dolphin sort of jump-starts the child - it's quite amazing but it has worked with both children and adults," said Mrs Kelleher. She said the sessions were videotaped and studied by therapists, who then suggest further avenues of therapy for the child.
The Kellehers believe they may have to go to Miami for three to five sessions with Ann Marie. Dr Nathanson's fees for a month are $13,000, and with travel and accommodation costs as well, they are facing a large bill. Friends have formed a special fund to help send the girl to Miami for the treatment and Mr Kelleher's workmates at Quality Plastics in Cork have already raised the money necessary for the critical first month of assessment and therapy.
"If she could communicate, it would make her life so much better - she would be so much happier in herself. It's too early to speculate whether it will be a success or not - but it does work and, hopefully, it will for Ann Marie."
Anyone wishing to help the Kellehers to take Ann Marie to Miami can make a donation to Bank of Ireland, Mallow, to A/C No 63223674, Code 90 28 80. All donations will be gratefully accepted.