The McCrossan family from St Johnston have begun their journey to the Netherlands today ahead of their four-year-old son’s treatment for a rare blood disorder.
Little Zach was diagnosed with high-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder that progresses to Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
It was a double shock for the family, as Zach’s mum Patrice (née Rodgers) was diagnosed with AML just a year earlier. Mum-of-four Patrice had a long journey of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, and continues to receive treatment to keep her illness at bay.
In the past year and a half, the McCrossan family has received incredible support from their family, friends and local community, and a GoFundMe for Zach’s treatment raised a six-figure sum in just 24 hours in April.
Today, as they set off for the airport, the family has thanked everyone for their support.
Their journey to the Netherlands will involve an estimated three months of inpatient treatment for Zach at the Princess Máxima Centre in Utrecht.
“His only hope is a bone marrow transplant, one that can’t be done in Ireland,” said Gary and Patrice.
Brave four year old Zach McCrossan
“As we make our way to the airport and step into this next chapter, our hearts are full of hope, of emotion, and of deep gratitude,” they said in a Facebook update today.
“To every single person, near and far, who has supported us: thank you. Whether you donated, organised a fundraiser, offered a lift, dropped off meals, minded our other children, shared advice, or simply sent a message of encouragement… we have felt every bit of your love and kindness.
“It’s because of you… our incredible circle of family, friends, neighbours, and strangers with big hearts… that we’re able to be by Zach’s side as he begins treatment in the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht.”
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