A young Donegal teen with an aggressive brain tumour is hoping to secure potentially life-saving treatment abroad this year.
Rocco McGinley from Buncrana received a devastating cancer diagnosis in October 2021.
At just 14 years of age, he began experiencing unusual symptoms last summer. He was suffering from blurred vision, unsteady gait and loss of power. An MRI confirmed his family’s worst fears – a rare and life threatening brain tumour which is particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.
Rocco’s parents, Yvonne Hegarty from Rathmullan and Wade Mc Ginley from Buncrana, have since said many prayers and done countless hours of research into treatment options.
Rocco has had fantastic care, support and procedures at Irish hospitals, but they have exhausted all options. His family believes that his only hope lies elsewhere.
A major fundraiser is underway to raise funds to give Rocco the best chance of treatment by some of the world’s best neurologists in the US.
A successful draw took place last week to launch the campaign, and a GoFundMe appeal is now open at https://gofund.me/541b0ce6
Rocco’s family are ever-impressed by his bravery throughout his illness.
They said: “He’s like any other teenage boy. He loves his family, his friends, music and his PS. He’s the most funny, loving, gentle and kindest soul and would brighten any room when he enters.”
“To date Rocco has had fantastic care and support from the staff in LUH, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Temple Street and St Lukes Hospital. He has received radium, he has been biopsied and has had a shunt inserted all of which have helped to alleviate symptoms and will temporarily regress the tumours growth. Rocco has undergone all of these invasive procedures, his treatment to date in his normal brave and courageous manner and without a days complaint, he is an inspiration to us all and such a fighter.”
A target of €280,000 has been set on GoFundMe to raise as much money as possible for Rocco to seek treatment in the US.
His family said: “There are various clinical trials which have had some success that are specifically designed to treat Rocco’s diagnosed tumour. Our aim from this go fund me page is to raise as much funds so that he can have the opportunity of treatment.
“His case has been reviewed by several leading hospitals and he has been accepted for treatment. This will require a significant amount of money.”
Any support will be greatly appreciated at https://gofund.me/541b0ce6
