Swim for Leila

Leila was born with a rare MECOM gene disorder which cause bone marrow failure. She survived her first year of life thanks to amazing donors who gave blood, platelets and her super hero who donated his bone marrow. Leila is now turning 5 and living life to the fullest thanks to these amazing people. Her transplant has been a complete success and she is now healthy and full of life. For 11 months Leila received 2 platelet transfusions and 1 blood transfusion every week. Without these amazing people she would not have lived long enough to get her transplant. We are eternally thankful to these strangers who saved our baby girl.

Leila's Daddy is planning to swim from Enniscrone, Co. Sligo to Kilcummin, Co. Mayo (approx. 10km) to raise awareness for the need for more donors like those who gave Leila the gift of life. Our hope is that other families can be as lucky as we are. Being a donor saves lives. Not everyone can become donors for various reasons and therefore we decided to start a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House in Dublin in addition to the awareness campaign.

Our family lived in Ronald McDonald House while Leila spent lengthy periods in CHI at Crumlin. Their support through the most difficult time in families lives makes such a massive difference. A safe place to go to when hospital life gets too much. A warm meal when cooking for yourself is beyond what you can think about. A friendly smile when you walk through the door after extremely difficult days. A safe space to unwind and process what is happening to your child. A hot shower in the privacy of your own room. A place where family can come together. The list goes on and on. Ronald McDonald was home away from home where our other children could come visit along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. People we otherwise would not have seen for weeks on end.

More information about Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland: The Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation and support for 20 families every night who have seriously ill children in Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin , Dublin. We are also raising money for a new house at the new Childrens Hospital being built.

In advance, we would like to thank you all for your support. Please spread the word and help other families who are struggling.

Stacey and Steve