Help Darragh in the fight against Cancer

No child should have to face a cancer diagnosis, the enormity of treatment or the uncertainty of recovery.

We are the O’Malley Family from The Neale, Co. Mayo. Mom Sharon, Dad Conor, Rachel, Jessica and Darragh.

Our son Darragh was born on the 04th of May 2021, we were overjoyed with our second rainbow baby. Darragh has always been a strong, healthy and happy little boy, slotting right into our busy family life with his two big sisters Rachel and Jessica, our family unit finally felt complete.

Early in July 2022 whilst changing Darragh’s nappy I discovered a hard lump on the side of his stomach. Initially we had hoped that it was a hernia or a retracted testicle but after a visit with the GP who confirmed it was neither, further investigation was required.

Within 24hours of Daragh’s ultrasound we were informed that it was in fact a tumour. We were transferred by ambulance from Galway University Hospital to Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

On the 29th of July, at just 15months old, Darragh was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, this is an aggressive and recurring cancer which will require a minimum of 18months of treatment which will consist of surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy. Chemotherapy commenced immediately and will continue at 10 day intervals. There are between 5-10 cases of Neuroblastoma diagnosed in Ireland per year. That date will always be engraved in our memory of complete shock and heartbreak. Any parent would go to hell and back for their child and we are now on that journey and we will fight hard for our beautiful boy as any parent on this earth would.

I have given up work to care for Darragh and due to the frequency of treatment and the unpredictability of additional hospital stays for Darragh, Conor will also have to reduce his hours to care for Rachel and Jessica and there may be times when he cannot work at all.

We never anticipated that we would find ourselves in this position. We need to focus on Darragh’s fight with cancer, our whole families fight with cancer. We greatly appreciate any assistance you can give, with your kind donations and help we can give Darragh the comfort and support he will need for the duration of this battle.

The funds raised from this page will go towards covering the everyday basic needs for our family, Mortgage repayments, food bills, fuel, parking and accommodation in Dublin that unfortunately we cannot shoulder on our own.

Any unused funds will be donated to the various charities that are supporting us through this fight.

We would like to thank everyone for their support and comfort it has been amazing and is what is keeping us going. We will keep you all updated here on Darragh’s treatment.