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Lee Gass, a survivor and prominent advocate of the thalidomide tragedy, has passed away.
Lee was born with severe physical disabilities due to her mother taking thalidomide during pregnancy. The drug caused deformities in her limbs. Growing up, Lee faced many difficulties due to her physical problems. Despite these difficulties, she showed tenacity and determination.
Thalidomide was a drug prescribed to pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s to relieve morning sickness, but it caused severe birth defects.
Lee became an active advocate for disability rights. Her personal experiences ignited her passion to ensure that people with disabilities received fair treatment and had access to the resources they needed. She frequently spoke at events and conferences, sharing her story to raise awareness about the impact of Thalidomide and the importance of disability rights.
She has supported other thalidomide survivors, helping them navigate the complex medical and social issues they face.
Despite the challenges posed by her physical disability, Lee continued to pursue her education and achieved great things. She worked in a variety of roles focused on advocacy and support for people with disabilities. Her efforts influenced laws and policies to improve the situation for people with disabilities.
In late 2014, Leigh became the HSE’s first confidential recipient in the wake of the Aras Attracta abuse scandal and she will remain in that role until September 2022, seeing many changes, not only building and adapting the role but also encouraging the HSE to develop stronger structures and processes for people who experience vulnerability in their lives.
Commenting on the news of her passing, HSE CEO Bernard Gloucester said: “I had the great privilege of knowing Leigh for several years, both professionally and personally. She achieved much and was always there for others. She gave a voice to so many who had no voice and called on all professionals, organisations and governments to think differently. Leigh was never defined by her disability. She was always a joy to see at the end of a day of serious work and always brightened the mood of all who encountered her. As Leigh’s friends and former colleagues, Eugene, Carl, Aisling and we at the HSE offer our deepest condolences. She was a unique person, perhaps best captured in the title of her book, ‘Don’t Tell Me I Can’t’. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
In his autobiography, Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, Lee Gass shares his personal journey of overcoming the enormous challenges presented by his disability.
More recently, after retiring, Lee was an active volunteer with the Samaritans, dedicating all his free time to helping others.
She is survived by her husband Eugene, son Carl, daughter Aisling, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends in Newry, Limerick, Texas, across Ireland and worldwide.
