Young Kildare woman fundraising for life-changing stem cell treatment

A young Kildare woman who suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in a serious road traffic collision is appealing for public support as she prepares to travel to Germany for specialist stem cell treatment.

Kaythlyn Smith, 25, was left with a C5 incomplete spinal cord injury following a car accident in July 2025. The collision resulted in catastrophic injuries and led to seven months of hospitalisation and intensive rehabilitation.

Speaking about her recovery journey, Ms Smith said she came close to losing her life following the accident and continues to face significant daily challenges.

Today, she remains paralysed in both hands and from the chest down, requiring round-the-clock care and living with severe nerve pain.

"Simple tasks that most people never think twice about now require assistance, and every day presents new challenges," she said.

Despite the extent of her injuries, Ms Smith has remained determined to maximise her recovery.

Following months of rehabilitation, she was selected to participate in a UCD exoskeleton walking trial, which allowed her to take steps using advanced robotic technology.

The experience gave her renewed hope and strengthened her determination to pursue every possible opportunity to improve her condition.

That determination has now led to an opportunity to undergo specialist stem cell treatment in Germany. While the treatment cannot guarantee recovery, Ms Smith hopes it could help improve her function, independence and overall quality of life.

"I feel I have to pursue every opportunity available to me," she said.

To help fund the treatment, Ms Smith has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the substantial costs associated with the procedure, including medical treatment, travel, accommodation, specialist care and ongoing rehabilitation.

The Kildare woman said she is deeply grateful for the support she has already received from family, friends and the wider community.

Previous fundraising efforts helped her purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, obtain rehabilitation equipment and travel for treatment and clinical trials.

"The support I've received so far has made a huge difference to my recovery journey," she said.

As she prepares for the next stage of treatment, Ms Smith is once again appealing for public support in the hope of giving herself the best possible chance of regaining further function and independence.

Those wishing to support her fundraising campaign or learn more about her recovery journey can do so through her GoFundMe page.