A DEVOTED Irish dad is fighting for his life after suffering a serious brain injury during a work trip to the United States.
Rob Laffan, from Co. Limerick, was at a business conference in Minneapolis on Friday to promote his app TippyTalk – which helps autistic children – when he collapsed and hit his head.
The 40-year-old suffered serious brain injuries after fracturing his skull and is fighting for his life in intensive care.
His family say he is in a stable condition, but has bleeding on the brain and needs constant monitoring by hospital staff.
Mr Laffan may also require surgery – which could cost the family tens of thousands of dollars in medical fees.
His wife, Emily, has travelled to Minneapolis to be by his side but his two young daughters, Megan and Sadie, remain in Ireland.
Friends and family have launched an online fundraiser, 'Help Rob Laffan Get Treated and Home', to raise money for the seriously injured entrepreneur.
"Rob has a long road to recovery ahead, and will need to stay in the States for at least a month more, and will need rehabilitation therapy for some time.
“Rob’s wife Emily is with him, and his daughters Megan and Sadie are in Ireland with family.
“Sadie has severe autism and needs around-the-clock care, and her condition inspired Rob’s TippyTalk system of communication for the non-verbal.
“Sadie needs her parents home so please help with whatever you can spare.”
A fundraising quiz has also been set up for Rob at his local pub The Spotted Dog in Janesboro, Co. Limerick.
Pub staff said on Facebook: “Rob had an accident in America and is currently in intensive care with a brain injury.
"We are trying to raise funds to assist Rob and Emily during this tough time.
"If you cannot come to the event please still buy a ticket in support of this fantastic family.”
