Creche kickstarts fundraiser for teen diagnosed with rare condition
By Maurice Garvey
A CRECHE has kickstarted a fundraising drive to help a staff member’s son receive treatment for a severe condition.
Reece Byrne (17), from Ballyfermot, was recently diagnosed with a rare condition called Myelodysplastic Syndrome – a type of cancer which will require chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
Reece Byrne from Ballyfermot
The St John’s College student was due to take his Leaving Cert in June, but this now looks in doubt.
Reece’s mother Aideen Byrne, is a longtime employee at the Woodlands Creche and After School Service in Ballyfermot.
When Woodlands Manager Rosyln Gibbons Richardson discovered the news, she decided to start up a GoFundMe page, and organise a fundraiser at the Ballyfermot Family Resource Centre on March 21.
“He was recently diagnosed with the rare condition, which I don’t think is usually seen in someone of such a young age – usually its associated with older people in their 70s,” said Rosyln.
“Adrienne is a wonderful staff member, who has worked here for almost 10 years, and her colleagues wanted to help. Reece is a very fit lad, who loves football and is huge into sports, so this is very upsetting for him.”
Woodlands Creche have asked the community to support Adrienne and Reece by popping into the Ballyfermot family Resource Centre on Wednesday, March 21.
“We will be running a cake sale, a number of raffles, and having a sponsored walk at about 9.30am,” said Rosyln.
Funds raised will go towards travel costs to and from hospital, and medical bills, allowing Aideen to take extra time off work to care for Reece during his treatment and recovery.
Anyone who wishes to make a donation can visit www.gofundme.com/lets-fundraise-for-reece.
