A Donegal mother is ready and waiting to start specialist lifesaving cancer treatment in America.
Vivienne Lynch-McDaid, from Buncrana, needs to undergo eight cycles of chemotherapy in Boston.
However, $150,000 (€127,000) has to be paid up front before her treatment can start at the world-famous Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
Friend, Victoria Naughton, launched a GoFundMe three days ago to aid with the costs. Incredibly, almost $170,000 has been raised by donors as of today.
Speaking from the US, Ms Naughton said they are currently awaiting instructions from MGH.
“We are awaiting wire instructions from Massachusetts General Hospital. As soon as they are received, funds will be transferred and Vivienne’s first treatment will be scheduled,” she said.
Grateful for the ‘amazing kindness’ shown towards the campaign, Ms Naughton cautioned that the $150,000 figure is an estimate and is expected to increase.
“Please know that this fundraiser remains open and accepting donations,” she added.
“As originally stated, the $150,000 is an estimate. Final costs could be more and we would like to relieve Vivienne and family of any financial stress the necessary treatment(s) could cost.”
She stressed that ‘every penny’ raised will go directly to Vivienne’s treatment.
“Again, this has been made possible by each and every one of you. Thank you and God bless.”
At the beginning of the campaign, Victoria said that Vivienne wasn’t feeling well and went to her local hospital in Ireland where several tests revealed dreaded news.
Late last month, Vivienne arrived in Boston.
”There is hope’
A friend, a cancer survivor, had access to elite doctors at MGH and Dana Farber Cancer Institute and helped secure a consultation appointment for Vivienne.
After her arrival in Boston, Vivienne was seen by Dr. Bruce Giantonio, a medical oncology specialist at MGH with 34 years of experience in the medical field.
Dr Giantonio gave Vivienne the news she wanted: There is hope.
Dr. Giantonio developed a treatment plan for Vivienne, whose daughter Chloe was an Irish boxing champion in 2016, winning the Girl 3 50kgs title.
However, Vivienne’s medical cover from Ireland does not cover the expenses, which have to be discharged before her treatment can start.
Victoria said: “This is understandable but puts Vivienne in a race not only for her health, but also for finances.
“I have no doubt that we can raise these funds. The Irish community is a tight-knit, strong and generous group. Those affected by cancer are the same. Let’s do this.”
To donate, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cancer-treatment-for-vivienne-lynch-mcdaid
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