A new fundraising campaign for nine-year-old Galway native Grace Kenneally to receive necessary life-saving treatment abroad has been launched.
Grace is currently undergoing chemotherapy for the third time at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to combat a rare and aggressive children’s cancer called neuroblastoma, Diagnosed at five years of age, Grace has been suffering for almost half her life, and this year bounced back having been offered palliative care when she was given two weeks to live.
Grace continues to battle a recurring tumour in her abdomen, which is attached to the aorta, making surgery extremely difficult. Chemotherapy has helped to shrink it, but it has not addressed her underlying illness, and the treatments currently available in Ireland will not give Grace her best chance of survival, say the campaign organisers. “ She simply will not live if money is not raised to send her abroad for treatment or a clinical trial.”
In June 2013 Grace had shown signs of some improvement when her hair started to grow back, and she was able to go off treatment and could go back to school. However her situation has worsened in the last few months and she has since lost her curls and her life is seen as being in danger.
Some fundraising efforts have already taken place around Galway city on a small scale to raise awareness of Grace and her illness. But due to the urgency of the situation, “Saving Grace”, has been launched with a fundraising target of €250,000. There is a small window of time, possibly three to six months, to raise the funds needed for Grace to travel and receive the treatment she needs.
For those who have ideas for a fundraiser or would like to provide support, visit www.iDonate.ie/SavingGrace, www.SavingGrace.ie, email [email protected], or also visit the campaign’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SavingOurGrace
