Longford Little Blue Hero Kalvin O'Meara: Little Blue Heroes has given Kalvin a voice

Nine-year-old Kalvin O'Meara, a resilient boy from Ballymahon, Longford, is one of a group of Little Blue Heroes who features in the new children's Christmas book 'Operation Blue Light Heroes.'

Founded in 2017, the Little Blue Heroes Foundation is a not-for-profit charity that supports families of children facing serious illnesses in Ireland and enhances their lives through meaningful community engagement initiatives.

Kalvin attends St Matthew's National School in Ballymahon and has a passion for music - he is currently learning to play the flute and clarinet.

Kalvin suffers from the complexities of a rare genetic condition, having many surgeries throughout his lifetime.

Kalvin has a duplication of the 7th chromosome and a deletion on the 12th chromosome also known as 7.q.11.23 duplication syndrome.

He lives with congenital heart defects, hypotonia, global developmental delay, asthma, low immune system, autism, speech sound disorder, and global mental delay, amongst other issues.

Kalvin has the unwavering strength of his family to support him - his siblings Kira and Jack and his mother Erica. However, Kira also suffers from a rare disease called NF1 (Neurofibromatosis type 1) Gene Deletion and has had many surgeries.

Erica is a beacon of strength for the O'Meara family, after her husband Trev tragically passed away in October 2021 from a rare brain tumour.

Erica serves as the treasurer for RARE Ireland and campaigns to raise awareness about those living with rare diseases and the challenges they face. Erica says, “Rare Ireland has given me a voice and Little Blue Heroes has given Kalvin a voice.”

Kalvin is a shy, reserved child and suffers from social anxiety exacerbated by his medical condition. Kalvin struggles to make friends which Erica described as 'heartbreaking'.

Caption: Honorary Garda Kalvin O’Meara

Yet amidst this, there emerges a powerful crescendo—the impact of Little Blue Heroes, an organisation that gives Kalvin not just confidence but a voice that resonates beyond his medical complexities and gets him away from 'a hospital environment.'

Kalvin 'loves' his role as an honorary Garda and 'takes his Garda duties very seriously.' In the new children's Christmas book 'Operation Blue Light Heroes,' Kalvin features alongside six other honorary Gardaí from the Little Blue Heroes and six Garda Dogs. Erica is happy for Kalvin to be a part of this project as the book highlights that 'when you need help, reach out and ask for it.'

The 2023 book Operation Blue Light Heroes has been published as part of a campaign called Operation Blue Light Santa, founded by Garda Emma Kiernan. Kalvin has a 'beautiful role' and a fantastic relationship with Emma.

The campaign has raised over €22,000 to date for local charities in Longford. All proceeds of this year’s book sales go towards the Little Blue Heroes Foundation and St Christopher’s Services.

The book serves as a beacon, guiding others through the pages of resilience and finding the strength in hope.

MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: Jolly Boys Christmas Market in Ballymahon played hosted to the launch of the 2023 Operation Blue Light Santa campaign book entitled Operation Blue Light Heroes, on Saturday afternoon, December 2 and pictured is Honorary Garda Kalvin O'Meara from the Little Blue Heroes who features in the book, and he is with members of his family Joe, Erica, Tricia, Jack and Kira O'Meara Picture: Shelley Corcoran