Support is flooding in for a family navigating major challenges following the birth of their baby with severely complex needs.
Five-month-old Oscar Lynch is the baby boy of Clare Lawlor-Lynch and Joe Lynch, who live in Kinlough and work in Bundoran.
A little fighter from the start, Oscar had a prenatal diagnosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) – a rare, life-threatening condition that has required major surgery, intensive care, and around-the-clock medical support since birth. Clare had fetal surgery in Belgium to give Oscar the best chance at survival, and he was born at just 34 weeks, undergoing hernia surgery a week later.
He’s also been diagnosed with Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and relies on a tracheostomy to breathe. In the coming months, he’ll face further surgeries, including cleft repair, as part of his long and difficult medical journey.
There has been a recent surge in support for a fundraiser to help Oscar’s parents as they cope with bills and financial pressures while being by Oscar’s side in hospital.
Baby Oscar is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Clare and Joe are staying close by at the Ronald McDonald House.
Support has been coming in from across the country, as Clare and Joe have several links across Donegal, Leitrim and Dublin. Clare has lived in Kinlough since she was 13, while Joe is originally from Dublin. They resided in Bundoran for several years before relocating to Kinlough. Clare is employed by Water World Bundoran and Joe works for Irish Gap Year. They also have a four year old son, Arthur.
Fundraiser; Help Support Baby Oscar and His Brave Family
Oscar’s auntie, Megan Lawlor, says he’s a “little fighter”.
“Oscar has already been in the hospital for months, and it’s likely he’ll remain there for most of the year,” Megan wrote.
“Clare and Joe are staying close by at the Ronald McDonald House, which has been a true blessing—but life outside the hospital doesn’t pause. Bills, responsibilities, and financial pressures continue to build while their focus remains on Oscar’s recovery.
“This GoFundMe is to help ease the financial burden on Clare and Joe—covering bills, travel, and essential costs—so they can continue to be fully present with their little boy as he fights the biggest battle of his life.”
To view/support the GoFundMe page, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-baby-oscar-and-his-brave-family
