Clondalkin family need to raise €300,000 for daughter’s US treatment

By Ellen Sweeney

CLONDALKIN father Robert Duffy is faced with every parent’s worst nightmare, after his daughter Emily (3) was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma in November, reports Ellen Sweeney.

It is a rare childhood cancer of the nervous system which effects 1-in-100,000 children in Ireland.

Robert and his partner Gillian Lee, who live in Celbridge, also have a 12-month-old boy Luke.

Family friend Kellie Whelan said: “Emily had been to her GP on three separate occasions before her diagnosis for a fall she had, and it wasn’t detected during the visit.”

Friends of the family set up a GoFundMe page, and within a month, it has raised close to €70k.

They are trying to raise €300,000 as the family may need to send Emily to the US to take part in a clinical trial treatment called DFMO to prevent relapse.

Kellie continued: “They’re all trying to give Emily the best chance at beating this. She is currently undergoing a two-year treatment plan in Our Lady’s Hospital, with pediatric oncology consultant Dr Michael Capra. The staff of St John’s Ward are doing such a great job.”

Emily, who loves princess dresses, has had five chemotherapy sessions already.

“It’s very tough for the family going to visit her when she is in hospital suffering, instead of seeing her active,” said Kellie.

A number of fundraisers have been held in Clondalkin and Newcastle in recent weeks for Emily, with further events planned for the New Year.

Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit www.gofundme.com/a-princess-called-emily.