Six-year-old Donegal girl Ruby Kiernan Houston has received encouraging news as she prepares to enjoy Christmas at home.
Ruby has so far completed eight rounds of intense chemotherapy since being diagnosed with Neuroblastoma a few months ago.
The shock diagnosis came after Ruby was taken to A&E with a sore leg. What was thought would be a quick trip to the hospital turned into a worst nightmare for her parents Seany and Alana when medics discovered advanced aggressive cancer.
Since then, Ruby has shown immense bravery while undergoing treatment at Children’s Health Ireland.
All the while, Ruby has an entire community of family, friends and well-wishers cheering her on and praying for her recovery. A GoFundMe page to support ‘Ruby’s Fight for Life’ has raised more than €100,000.
An update from Seany this week called for continued prayers and said: “We received some positive news from her last MIBG scan a few weeks ago: her cancer is clearing in some areas, and her tumor has shrunk enough to perform surgery in January.
“However, we know there is still a long road ahead in this fight against this awful disease.
“We kindly ask you all to keep our little Ruby in your prayers, and we hope to share more positive news in the near future.”
Ruby is currently at CHI receiving interim chemo all week so she can get home to enjoy Christmas.
Despite her difficult journey, Ruby is an inspiration to all.
Seany said: “Ruby has shown incredible strength and courage throughout this heart-wrenching journey. She truly is a little warrior, and as her parents, we couldn’t be prouder of how she is handling her diagnosis. She inspires us every day.”
Seany also expressed his immense gratitude for the exceptional team at CHI: “The doctors, nurses, and staff on her ward at St. John’s are truly incredible, and we are so thankful for the care they provide to our little warrior.”
Seany has also issued words of thanks to everyone who has donated and sent kind messages of support to #TeamRuby.
“A big thank you to all the wonderful people in our community who have organized fundraisers and collections for Ruby’s cause. We are forever grateful for all your hard work and efforts. Thank you all so much!”
The Ruby’s Fight For Life campaign continues to raise funds to help cover Alana and Seany’s loss of income from being off work for the foreseeable, travelling from Donegal to Dublin for her treatment and covering living expenses while in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
If you would like to donate, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/akb9a-rubys-fight-for-life
