Support Jim, Naomi and Their Family Through a Critical Time

Many of you know our daughter Naomi as a fiercely loyal friend and a deeply devoted mom. As her parents, we Dolores and Bernard, have had the privilege of watching her face life’s toughest moments with extraordinary strength, love, and resilience.

Right now, Naomi and her family are going through one of the hardest seasons of their lives. So many of you have reached out asking how you can help, and that’s why we’ve created this GoFundMe. It’s a way for us all to come together and offer real support during a time when they truly need it.

Five years ago, Naomi’s husband, Jim, was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumour. Although it caused total hearing loss on one side, he had been living symptom-free until recently. Just over six weeks ago, Jim began experiencing severe headaches and vision problems. An urgent MRI revealed that the tumour had grown and was now placing dangerous pressure on his brain.

Since then, Jim’s condition has declined significantly. He’s currently in Hamilton General Hospital, awaiting major brain surgery, a procedure that carries serious risks and will require a long recovery.

This would be hard enough on its own, but Jim and Naomi have already spent the past 14 years navigating immense challenges, including a traumatic workplace accident that left a lasting impact on their family. Through it all, they’ve carried on with courage and determination.

Naomi has continued to work, and even recently returned to university to earn her teaching qualification, always focused on building a brighter future for their family. But now, she’s had to take a leave from work to care for Jim and support Meadhbh through this incredibly difficult time.

We’ve come to stay with them to help care for Meadhbh so that Naomi can focus on Jim and also take care of herself. Jim’s three daughters from his first marriage, who are also navigating the weight of this difficult time have also stepped in with love and support, helping however they can.

This fund will help ease the financial burden of the months ahead as they face surgery, recovery, and the uncertainty that lies ahead. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers, means more than we can say.

With heartfelt thanks,


Dolores & Bernard O’Connell


On behalf of Naomi, Jim, Meadhbh, Jade, Jaylene and Jordanna.