Community support grows for Tipperary woman recovering after stroke in New York

Support is building in Tipperary town and among the Irish community in New York for a woman originally from Tipperary town. 

READ MORE: Tipperary TD warns Mercosur trade deal threatens Irish farming and rural communities

Helen Molloy, a long time resident of New York, suffered a serious stroke on December 14, prompting a fundraising effort on both sides of the Atlantic to assist with her recovery.

Helen Molloy has worked in the hospitality sector in New York for over 25 years. Now aged 48, she suffered a debilitating stroke late last year.

While her recovery to date has been positive, friends and supporters say she faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. A GoFundMe appeal entitled “Support Helen Molloy’s Recovery” has received strong backing, reflecting the high cost of medical care in the United States compared with Ireland.

Organisers of the fund say that “Helen has always been a vibrant part of our community, known for her kindness and generosity.

The funds raised will go directly toward her rehabilitation and future care costs, helping to ease the financial burden on Helen and her family.”

The appeal is also being promoted locally through the Tipperary town Facebook page, run by Josephine Carroll and Brendan Lonergan.

The page is sharing details of the fundraiser and has committed to donating proceeds from its “Buy me a coffee Scheme” to Ms Molloy’s fund for at least the next month.

The GoFundMe page description states:

“Our friend Helen, who has lived and bartended in New York for the past 25 years, suffered a stroke on December 14th. Her recovery so far has been positive, but there is still a long road ahead.

The suddenness of her condition has brought unexpected challenges and expenses, and her friends and loved ones are rallying to support her during this difficult time.

Helen has always been a vibrant part of our community, known for her kindness and generosity behind the bar and beyond. Now, as she faces rehabilitation and ongoing care, we want to make sure she has the resources she needs to focus on healing.

The funds raised here will go directly toward her rehabilitation and future care costs, helping to ease the financial burden on Helen and her family.

Not surprisingly, an overwhelming number of people have reached out asking how they can help. For anyone who would like to contribute to Helen’s recovery, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser. Your support, in any form, means the world to Helen and all of us who care about her.”

At the time of writing, the fundraiser had reached 95 per cent of its target, with $94,762 raised towards a goal of $100,000.

Further support is being coordinated through the Tipp town Facebook page. Its administrators, have confirmed that all proceeds from their Buy Me A Coffee app will be donated to Helen Molloy’s recovery fund for at least the next month.

They noted that while Ms Molloy now lives in New York, she is originally from Tipperary town, and said recent weeks have been a worrying time for the Molloy family.

Supporters are being encouraged to contribute either through the Buy Me A Coffee platform or by donating directly to the GoFundMe appeal.

The Link to the GoFundMe page is here - Link

READ MORE: Tipperary winter walking festival returns to Glen of Aherlow with guided mountain routes