A Dublin family have been tireless in their efforts to raise funds to send their heroic cancer stricken teen to the US.
Robyn Smyth, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three, will travel to the New York this week for innovative and hopefully lifesaving treatment.
She is the first Irish person to be admitted to this highly sought-after treatment trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in Manhattan.
Her mother Bernadette Dornan told how the public were instrumental in raising the €326,000 ($380,000) for her daughter’s medical treatment after an emotional appeal for help from the public.
“We reached the magic mark of having enough money to pay for the ground breaking trial treatment over the weekend and all of the family can’t put into words how grateful and relieved we are," she told the Irish Independent.
“My head was spinning at the thought of getting Robyn this far and not being able to get her on the trial that could potentially put an end to this monster. We don't know what the future holds but because of you we have hope.
The family are elated at the fundraising efforts, but have also called on the public to continue donating.
“We are all so relieved but worried too. After we make the upfront payment to the hospital then there will be no money left. I’m pleading with people to keep donating as there will be non stop flight and living costs while in the US. Obviously we will be using up as much as our personal finances as well," she said.
Her Whitehall-based family believe that this miracle vaccine trial could be their daughter's last hope.
The 13-year-old girl was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer in 2007. After four years in remission, the cancer returned in 2013.
Smyth endured many months of treatment in Ireland and Michigan, managing to fight the insidious disease, but unfortunately in returned again in January 2017.
"Robyn has fought so hard. We must do everything to prevent this disease from coming back. She has no fight left in her. Her blood counts are too low for more treatment. We need to raise this money asap - let's get Robyn to New York," her family write on her GoFundMe page.
According to Evoke.ie, the specialized treatment costs €750,000 ($874,000). Thanks to a communal drive and mammoth fundraising efforts of the Irish public, the family are just €63,000 ($73,000) away from their goal.
Erin McGregor, sister of fighter Conor, was thanked for inspiring the 'floss 4 Robyn' fundraising push on social media. The initiative saw people taking to the Internet to showcase their 'flossing' dance skills while donating to the cause.
To donate, visit iDonate.ie or GoFundMe.
?❤️?YOU SMASHED IT❤️?❤️ ?❤️?THANK YOU?❤️? Wow!!!! Just wow!!! 5 days ago we told you how worried we were that we...
Posted by Robyns Life on Friday, 27 July 2018
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