Misfortune struck the life of Cavan man Patrick Vivion White last February when a fall in his own backyard in Queens, left him partially paralyzed from the neck down.

In response, friends and family have organized a Patrick Vivion White Benefit Fund which will host a fundraiser this coming Saturday. Committee member and long time friend of White, James Dolan called on the community to get involved.

It was early February when a nasty fall on the deck of White’s Maspeth home left him with a serious spinal injury.  After being rushed to New York Elmhurst Hospital, the 46-year-old was later transferred to Mount Sinai in Manhattan, where he is currently receiving treatment. Doctors predict his physical rehabilitation will be a long and grueling process.

“Quality of life has been very difficult for Vivion and Orna [his wife of 15-years] since his accident,” Dolan told the Irish Voice. 

“He is confined to a wheelchair, so assimilating to a new way of life is very difficult.”

“He receives rehab weekly both in his house and weekly visits to Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Center.”

A keen sports enthusiast, White led an active life as a team player both on and off the pitch.

“The GAA has always been a very important part of Vivion’s life, from his underage days back in Ballyjamesduff to playing for Cavan and Astoria Gaels in Gaelic Park,” Dolan told the Irish Voice.

“From there he progressed to management where he was successful again. He has made many great friends from the GAA, many of whom have been very supportive in his time of need,” Dolan said.

Originally from Ballyjamesduff, in  Cavan, White was a devoted member of his local Castlerahan GAA club. A gifted athlete, White won an Ulster title running relay as well as displaying his prowess in the football pitch playing right full back.

Training as a carpenter in Dublin with Bridge Interiors, he also played with the Ballyforan Club. Like many of his fellow citizens, Ireland’s weak economy of the 1980s sent the Cavan man to New York in search of work in 1987. In the Big Apple, White continued his love for GAA playing with the Astoria Gaels and continued his work as a carpenter.

This coming Saturday June 9, a fundraising benefit will be held at St Mary’s Parish Center at 70-31 48th Avenue in Woodside, just off Queens Blvd in aid of the Patrick Vivion White benefit fund.
Kicking off at 4pm, there will be activities for kids such as a magician, and a special broadcast of the Belmont Stakes. 

There will also be live entertainment including Richie McDade, Peader and Pio, Boomer and Friends, Seanie Moloney, Donnie Carroll, John Schmitt and many more. The evening will also include a raffle with a selection of prizes including spa vouchers, beauty care products, golf bags, bicycles, iPods, food & drink gift baskets.

There will also be a monster auction for over forty sporting jerseys including a New York Rangers jersey signed by entire team and an Irish jersey signed by Roy Keane.

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation or buying raffle tickets, please email patrickwhitebenefitfund@yahoo.com, call 917 951 893.

“Vivion is a very enthusiastic guy who is always full of energy,” Dolan said, concluding “He needs your support.”