Sean's German Treatment fund

I've been asked to set this page up on behalf of my friends JP and Mebh Richards, and here's their story

"At the end of May, we received the devastating news that our son Sean (3) was diagnosed with an Ewing Sarcoma brain tumour.  Ewing Sarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer.  His tumour developed close to his brain stem and was the size of a large orange or a small melon. This was described to us as a once in a decade diagnosis.

The treatment so far has involved an initial surgery to reduce the size of the tumour and relieve the pressure it was creating on the brain. Post op, the treatment has then involved an aggressive course of 2 different types of chemotherapy on a bi-weekly cycle.

After 4 cycles of the chemo, Sean has had a scan which has displayed a significant reduction in the size of the tumour. We have now been informed the next step in Sean’s journey will be to go to Essen, Germany to receive Proton Radiotherapy.

This will involve the whole family including his 5-year-old sister and 7-month-old brother travelling over for potentially 9 weeks while Sean gets this treatment in conjunction with his chemotherapy which will continue while we are there.

While the treatment itself and support is being provided by the HSE and the Gavin Glynn foundation, we are hoping to raise funds to enable us to take unpaid leave from work while abroad as well as helping us to cover inevitable expenses when based over there.

Also, this will help with further treatment Sean will require to help with his facial paralysis and hearing loss that he has suffered because of the tumour as well as any potential long-term side effects he may suffer due to the radiation therapy. 

Any funds remaining at the end of this journey will be donated to the charities that have done so much to help during this difficult time for our family, these are The Gavin Glynn Foundation, The Irish Cancer Society, Aoibhean's Pink Tie, CMRF Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Thank you for all the support and taking the time to read our story. We never expected to be in a position to have to tell it, but we are so proud of how Sean is dealing with all the challenges this has presented to him.  He is a brave funny little boy who is still making us laugh.  We have had great support already from family and friends and will never forget all who have helped us so far."