The GoFundMe launched to assist Tracey Taaffe, a terminally ill Irish mother, has raised over €50,000 in just one week.
Tracey, a 44-year-old beauty therapist from Monasterboice in Co Louth, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and received news in April that the cancer had returned, confirmed this time as Stage 4 Incurable Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Doctors have given Tracey between three and five years to live, awakening a "steely determination" in the 44-year-old mother-of-two.
Tracey's daughter Lea, 25, spoke in awe of her mother's positive attitude.
"She says ‘we need to get over five years, we’ll try to make the most of what is there,'" Lea said.
"Given the circumstances, I don’t know how she puts a smile on her face every day."
Lea Taaffe and her mother Tracey Taaffe. (Family handout)
The GoFundMe to help with Tracey's medical bills as well as funding alternative treatment options has so far raised more than €54,000 since it was launched on July 19.
The fundraiser also aims to ease the financial burden on Tracey's husband Alan, her daughter Lea, and her 18-year-old son Rhys.
Lea Taaffe said her mother underwent 12 grueling rounds of chemotherapy following her initial diagnosis in 2021 in addition to 20 rounds of radiation.
Unfortunately, her battle was just beginning.
Lea said her mother began feeling unwell in April 2024 and booked a GP appointment, expecting to be back at work the following day.
However, Tracey was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable metastatic breast cancer, turning her world upside down.
"It completely stopped her in her tracks, it was so hard for the first month," Lea said.
"Since then there has been a plan in place, we can’t wake up every day and think ‘We’ve got this many days left with her.'
"When she’s having a bad day I remind her we can’t wait to cheer her up and make her laugh."
Now under the treatment of oncologist Professor John Crown, Tracey faces an operation next month to remove her ovaries, a monthly bone infusion, a hormone-blocking injection, and a new targeted therapy treatment.
She has also been forced to close "Beauty by Tracey," which she opened 18 years ago.
Lea praised the "incredible" response to the online fundraiser, stating that it shows how much people value her mother.
"I know how great she is, but for everyone else to see it too, it’s so lovely."
Anyone interested in donating to the GoFundMe can do so here.
Meanwhile, a benefit night, including a sponsored head shave, is due to take place in Daly's Pub in Donore, Co Meath, on Saturday, August 24.
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