Let’s keep Emma smiling through treatment

My neighbour, Paddy Keohane, called by the other day. I’m living in Classis Lake, Ballincollig for over 20 years but Paddy is one of the few neighbours I chat with regularly. It could be just a wave across the courtyard, but he always goes out of his way to chat and check in on all his neighbours. He is of a generation where community was a lifeline and I wish there were more of that. I see this in many estates now, where a sense of community is lost and people that have lived side by side for years barely speak. But Paddy was about to change that by introducing me to my neighbours, the Molnar family.

Paddy introduced me to Renata and Balazs. We’ve been neighbours for 17 years and we probably passed each other by, but not anymore. I learned of the difficult situation they find themselves in. Renata and Balazs, have three beautiful daughters. Hanna, 11, Bella, 8 and the baby, Emma, who will celebrate her 6th birthday this month. I’m sure Emma would love a big pink party with her friends from Junior infants in Scoil Mhuire, Ballincollig. Dancing to songs from Encanto. Running around with all her friends, eating cake, and laughing, with not a care in the world. However, Emma and her family have a worrying time ahead.

A few months ago, the Molnar family were given devasting news, that Emma has Neuroblastoma. A cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. Emma’s tumour is on her right adrenal gland, which has spread into her right arm bone and some places in her bone marrow. Emma’s treatment started on the 01st April 2023 and will continue for at least 18 months. She is receiving treatment in Children's Health Ireland, in Crumlin, every 10th day, until the 10th of June. On the 20th of June she will have surgery to remove the tumour from her adrenal gland. Next radiation, blood transfusions and chemotherapy again. We don't know yet the exact plan after surgery as it depends on the results, but her family are positive. She has been struggling with a whole range of symptoms and reactions to her treatment. And her activities are limited due to a compromised immune system. I cannot imagine as a mother; how painful this must be for her family. But Emma keeps smiling. Emma's favourite colour is pink, she is a happy, funny girl. She loves playing with cards and board games. She loves going to the regional park, riding her scooter. I feel compelled to do all I can to support them in the coming months. I’m hoping family, friends, and our community, will feel the same.

I’ve started this go fund me page in hopes that we can come together and help the Molnar family during Emma’s treatment. We aim to raise €30,000 over the coming 18 months and this will allow this family the space and time to focus only on Emma’s recovery. I understand the struggle lots of us are facing at this tough time, with the soaring costs of living but any contribution no matter how big or small will make a world of difference. A world I want to see my kids grow up in. I know, even messages of support and knowing that people in the community are thinking of Emma, will give them the strength and resilience they need right now. Renata has taken leave from her job to care for her little girl and get her to all her appoints. Renata’s mother has moved from Hungary to look after Emma’s siblings, Hannah, and Bella, while her parents attend appointments together and will remain for as long as she’s needed. They are so united, and I could see immediately that they are such a lovely couple and wonderful parents. When Paddy introduced me to this amazing family, I felt so grateful they let me hear their story and that they would allow me to do something. This is not a ‘nice thing to do,’ it’s the right thing to do, the only thing to do.

We would like to help with things like:

• Cost of living expenses – to relieve some worry

• Travel expenses – to reduce some stress

• Allow for fun times when Emma feels well enough – to keep Emma smiling.

I hope, like me, you will answer a neighbours call and give a hand. And donate whatever you can to show our community support.

Thank you for any of your kindness, prayers and well wishes.

Susan - on behalf of the Molnar family