Help Barbara Access Vital Treatment for Glioblastoma

To all of our friends and family, people we have met along the way and the kind friends of friends we haven’t even met yet, this is a message from Barbara and Brian:

As many of you know by now, Barbara has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer.

The support we have received in the months since Barbara’s diagnosis has been monumental, and has helped us through some of our most difficult days. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Now we come to you with a new and urgent request.

If you know Barbara at all, you know she’s a force of joy, positivity, and determination. She’s always got the biggest laugh in the room, she’s the one most likely to be up on the dance floor, the one always with her heart and door open to anyone who needs it. As the 52-year-old mother of three amazing teenagers, and a successful marketing manager with a career spanning decades and continents, she’s always had bundles of energy and responded to challenges with her trademark buoyancy and grit. She’s always been the life and light of the room.

But sudden debilitating headaches earlier this summer landed us at Blackrock Clinic A&E, where a tumour was discovered that led to her hospitalisation at Beaumont. That’s where we received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma. Since then, she’s received amazing care at St Luke’s and at Beaumont, where she has undergone radiation, chemotherapy, and treatment for clots in her lungs.

Now we urgently need your help to access further treatments that could greatly improve Barbara’s quality of life and her chances of beating this disease. We want to do all we can to give Barbara time: with her children, with her family, with all the people who love her. And we want to give the chemotherapy treatments a much-needed boost in this battle against a very aggressive cancer.

But between travel, consultations, hospital stays and specialist therapies, the cost of these treatments has ballooned, and is not fully covered by the public health system or private insurance.

So we come to all of you to ask for your help and are so grateful for all you are doing to support us. Whether it’s donating to this GoFundMe—every euro counts and it all adds up to make a huge difference—sending us positive messages and love, or simply keeping us in your thoughts, we appreciate all of you. Thank you for being by our side as we face forward into the battle of our lives.

Thank You

Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us. Every contribution, message, and share helps us fight this battle together.

With heartfelt thanks,

Brian, Barbara and family.

[This GoFundMe was organised by Aoife McCormack, Fiona McCann, Pat Doherty and Ria Cusack at the request of Brian and Barbara.]

Part 1: What the Funds Will Be Used For:

- Hyperthermic treatment in the UK (Phase 1):

At University College London Hospitals, this treatment gently heats tumour cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While not a cure for glioblastoma, it can help treatments work better, improve immune response, slow tumour growth, and improve quality of life. Estimated costs (treatment, travel, accommodation): approximately €40,000.

- Dendritic cell vaccine in Germany (Phase 2):

Doctors create a personalised vaccine using Barbara’s own immune and tumour cells. This helps her body’s defences recognise and attack the cancer, offering hope of slowing its growth and improving quality of life. Estimated costs (treatment, travel, accommodation): approximately €80,000.

- Associated care and support needs for Barbara.

Commitment to Transparency:

We are deeply grateful for your support and will post regular updates here so that everyone who contributes knows how the funds are being used. A separate bank account is being created, monitored by four friends to ensure the highest governance standards.

What Happens if Circumstances Change?

Glioblastoma is unpredictable, and treatment plans may evolve.

We have, to the best of our ability, forecasted anticipated costs for treatments in the UK and Germany. If, for any reason, we cannot use all of the funds raised for Barbara’s care, any remaining balance will be donated directly to Brain Tumour Ireland to support research that could help Barbara and others facing this disease and potentially help make complementary treatments currently only available abroad, accessible in Ireland.

Part 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who will receive the funds?

All donations will go directly to Brian and Barbara to cover treatment, travel, accommodation, and related medical expenses. A separate account is being used so the funds can be managed transparently.

How will I know how my donation is being used?

We will post regular updates on GoFundMe so that supporters can see progress, treatment milestones, and how donations are helping.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Because this fundraiser is for an individual, donations are considered personal gifts and are not eligible for tax relief.

Can I help in other ways?

Yes — even if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign with others or sending a message of support makes a huge difference to Barbara and our family.

Hyperthermic Treatment FAQs

Is hyperthermic treatment safe?

Yes. It is non-invasive, painless, and generally well-tolerated. The main side effect is a warm sensation in the treatment area. Patients remain awake and comfortable throughout.

Does it cure glioblastoma?

No. Hyperthermic treatment is not a cure. Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer, and there is currently no known cure. However, this therapy can make chemotherapy and radiotherapy work more effectively.

Why isn’t it widely available?

Hyperthermic treatment requires specialised equipment and expertise. At present, only a few centres, such as University College London Hospitals (UCLH) and some clinics in Germany, provide it.

What are the potential benefits?

- Tumour cells become more sensitive to treatment.

- Tumour growth may slow down.

- Some patients experience improved quality of life and extended survival.

How is the treatment given?

The patient lies on a treatment bed, and focused heat is delivered to the tumour area. Each session lasts about an hour, and several sessions are given over weeks or months.

Why is fundraising needed?

This treatment is expensive and not fully funded by the health system. Travel, accommodation, and associated care costs add further pressure. Donations will help make this treatment possible and give the family more precious time together.

Dendritic Cell Vaccine (Germany) FAQs

What exactly happens during treatment?

A blood sample is taken, and immune cells are grown and programmed in a lab with tumour-specific information and a harmless virus to enhance their power. These are then injected back into the patient as a vaccine.

What does it aim to do?

It helps the immune system recognise tumour cells, allowing it to mount a targeted attack, similar to how traditional vaccines prepare the body for infections.

Is it a cure?

No. It cannot cure glioblastoma. But it may improve how the body fights the cancer — and has shown promising results when combined with standard treatments.

Who offers this treatment?

IOZK in Cologne, Germany, is one of the few centres using this approach. They are known for combining the vaccine with other immunotherapies for a tailored approach.