A MAJOR fundraiser has been launched for a Buncrana woman who needs €150,000 to begin cancer treatment.
Vivienne Lynch-McDaid needs to undergo eight cycles of chemotherapy in Boston.
Almost €150,000 has to be paid up front before her treatment can start.
Friend Victoria Naughton has launched a GoFundMe to aid with the costs. Already, almost €60,000 has been raised by donors.
“Vivienne is in a race against time and we need to help her,” Victoria said.
“Vivienne wasn’t feeling well and went to her local hospital in Ireland where several tests revealed dreaded news…she had cancer.”
Late last month, Vivienne arrived in Boston.
A friend, a cancer survivor, had access to elite doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Dana Farber Cancer Institute and helped secure a consultation appointment for Vivienne.
Travel in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions was difficult. However, another friend, with close ties to Washington DC, was able to expedite a medical visa and plane tickets were booked.
After her arrival in Boston, Vivienne was seen by Dr. Bruce Giantonio, a medical oncology specialist at MGH with 34 years of experience in the medical field.
Dr Giantonio gave Vivienne the news she wanted: There is hope.
Dr. Giantonio developed a treatment plan for Vivienne, whose daughter Chloe was an Irish boxing champion in 2016, winning the Girl 3 50kgs title.
However, Vivienne’s medical cover from Ireland does not cover the expenses, which have to be discharged before her treatment can start.
Victoria said: “This is understandable but puts Vivienne in a race not only for her health, but also for finances.
“I have no doubt that we can raise these funds. The Irish community is a tight-knit, strong and generous group. Those affected by cancer are the same. Let’s do this.”
To donate, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cancer-treatment-for-vivienne-lynch-mcdaid
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