CONOR’S BIG FIGHT CONTINUES
Hi everyone,
THE BATTLE SO FAR
We know how tough times are for all of us in this pandemic, but no matter how hard it is we are still better off than some.
We want to briefly share with you the drama that is currently touching the heart of our families. As many of you already know Karen McErlean, her partner Ciaran McNeill and family have been living their worst nightmare for the past 4 years.
Their son Conor was diagnosed in August 2016 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, at just 19 months old.
Just a couple of weeks before that time his Mum, Karen, had given up full time employment as an A&E nurse. Little did she know the trauma and despair that was to follow for the next 3.5 years as young Conor fought to beat the cancer that took over his young body.
In January 2020 our family circle and friends celebrated the news that Conor, now aged 5, had recieved the “all clear”. However 6 months later the cancer has returned.
THE CHALLENGE
Now the best hope for survival for Conor is a stem cell transplant. Unbelievably that was not the only health trauma that this young family has had to deal with. As Conor was in surgery again in The Royal Hospital Belfast, at the very same time his only sister, Grace, was in surgery in Birmingham. Grace has been diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis.
As time was running out for Conor, a determined and fierce media and social media campaign began to find a stem cell donor for Conor. Thankfully a match has been found and Karen & Ciaran will accompany Conor shortly to Bristol Royal Hospital, where the life saving transplant attempt will take place.
Recent Irish News coverage
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Over the past 4 years, Conor’s family have raised thousands £’s to support those charities that have helped his family. However now is the time that we ask you to help us, to help them in return.
In the next few weeks, Karen and Ciaran will travel with Conor to Bristol for his lifesaving transplant. This will be a gruelling experience for them as a family, as they have to leave Grace and their jobs behind them for a few months.
With no income for the foreseeable future and mounting bills, we would like to try to help them out so that financial worries will not distract them from their caring duties. The wonderful NHS will be providing treatment and support but Karen and Ciaran will still need to cover the normal costs of running the family home, and in addition the costs of travel to and from Bristol and the cost of accommodation, food etc whilst there. Conor’s treatment in Bristol is expected to continue into the early part of 2021 and so the costs that they will have to bear, whilst not being able to earn themselves, will be considerable.
Many of you have supported Karen’s fundraising efforts for her Cancer charities in the past, we are so grateful for that. It is a big ask, but if you can help out once again – please support us and let us help Karen, Ciaran and their lovely young family. And it would be appreciated if you could share this campaign with others.
Any money in excess of target will be donated equally to Karen’s chosen Cancer charities.
Angel Wishes
Cancer Fund for Children
Thank you from
Karen & Ciaran’s family circle
FURTHER INFORMATION ON BLOOD CANCER TREATMENTS
Anthony Nolan Stem Cell Register
