Boston-Irish community aids teen with cerebral palsy after father dies of cancer

A benefit is being held on April 22 to aid Petríona McDonagh and her family after she lost her father and carer to cancer in February 2018.

The Boston Irish community is rallying around the McDonagh family from An Ceathrú Rua in Co. Galway after father Michael McDonagh died of cancer in February 2018. He and his wife Bríd were the main carers for their daughter Petríona, aged 16, who has cerebral palsy. The couple also has another son, Seosamh, aged 11.

Míchael McDonagh (Míchilín Larry Úna), originally from Aibhnin, Bealadaingin, Connemara, Co. Galway, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, which tragically spread to his lungs and liver a year later. At the end of January 2018, he needed to be moved from his home to Galway Hospice in Renmore, where sadly he passed away last February 8.

His wife Bríd McDonagh (Bríd Mhairín Feeney), originally from Clynagh, Carraroe, Connemara, Co. Galway, was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and although successfully treated, she has suffered from Lymphedema since the surgery, which limits her from caring for their daughter Petríona.

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The McDonagh family.

Petríona was born with spastic quadriplegia, the most severe of the three types of spastic cerebral palsy, marked by the inability to use the legs, arms, and body. Up until October 2017, Petríona was cared for by Michael and Bríd in their home in Galway but with her father’s deterioration in health and her own need for 24/7 care, she was relocated to the Pediatric Unit at University Hospital, Galway.

Funds now need to be raised to get Petríona the ongoing care she needs and also to pay some of the McDonagh family’s many other medical expenses.

While general donations can be made at a GoFundMe set up for the family, friends and family of the McDonaghs have organized a benefit evening for Sunday, April 22, 4PM-8PM at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St, Dorchester. Tickets for $25 sold in advance and at the door. Kids can attend for free.

The fundraiser has so far raised over $4,500 of the $50,000 goal. 

You can find more information on the fundraiser or donate here at the GoFundMe or at the event Facebook page.