Urgent fundraising appeal launched for Tallaght man who needs cancer drug

A Tallaght family is seeking the community’s support in raising urgent funds for their brother who needs access to a cancer drug that could significantly aid his recovery.

Brian Slattery from Aylesbury needs up to €140,000 so he can avail of a drug which has proven hugely promising in trials so far.

Brian, who is a former student at St Martin’s NS and Old Bawn Community School, has already shown tremendous bravery and courage to fight cancer once. However, Brian’s cancer has returned in a far more aggressive form – spreading through his body.

In July 2016, at just 28-years-old, the Bank of Ireland worker was diagnosed with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

He spent the summer having radiation and chemotherapy, which was followed by a bowel resection surgery to remove the tumour.

The surgery went well and the prognosis appeared to be positive, however, earlier this year Brian began to show signs that the cancer had returned.

Although now receiving chemotherapy, Brian’s oncology consultant has said this is a last resort, and one that will not treat the cancer fully.

The huge fundraising effort launched by Brian’s family is aiming to raise enough money to secure the use of a drug called Pembrolizumab, which is currently unavailable in Ireland.

Speaking via the recently published gofundme page, which has already raised almost €50,000 (at the time of writing), Brian’s family said: “The consultant told us that there is one drug available (but not yet approved by the HSE in Ireland) which is optimal for Brian’s survival.

“This drug is called Pembrolizumab. Unfortunately, the drug trial for treatment of rectal cancer using this drug has just closed.  

“The outcome from the research has been exceptionally promising in rectal cancer and it would be very beneficial to Brian’s full recovery from Cancer.”

“Access to this drug could cost Brian anywhere in the region of €70k – €140k plus, depending on the length of treatment required.  

“Therefore, it is with great urgency that we appeal to you to make a donation towards Brian’s recovery. He needs this drug NOW.”

Brian has been nothing but positive since his battle began, and speaking with Echo.ie today, his brother Brendan said he has been an inspiration to the whole family.

He said: “He is a role model to his niece and nephews who they adore so dearly.

“When Brian got the awful news last summer he was nothing but positive and willing to fight this horrible disease head on.

“He has been an inspiration to all of us with how he has dealt with this and we truly admire him and his strength throughout this whole nightmare.”

You can donate to Brian’s fund be visiting the gofundme page HERE.