Madam, – Eithne Donnellan’s article about the plight of a 14-year-old boy being denied “life-essential treatment” (October 16th) saddens me but, alas, does not come as a surprise. Almost 20 years ago I had to have both my adrenal glands removed and have since required daily medication to stay alive. Although my condition is not on the list of conditions eligible for long-term illness support, I was provided my life-sustaining medication under this scheme until last year, when, by dint of the fact of relocating from Kerry (HSE West) and therefore having to reapply, it was withdrawn. The only reason offered was that my condition was not on the list of recognised conditions, despite the fact that it never was on the list. – Yours, etc,