Longford family raising funds to assist with care of boy (3) diagnosed with brain tumour

A Longford grandmother has set up a gofundme page to assist with the care of a  three-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2023.

Rose McKenna’s grandson Finn, who lives with his mammy and daddy Melissa Donlon & Colin O'Reilly, brother Zack (13) and two-year-old twin siblings CJ & Evie in Ballinamuck, is currently receiving excellent care and treatment at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Cavan General Hospital.

Finn has Medulloblastoma with Leptomeningeal spread to his brain and spine. “There is no prognosis for Finn at this time,” explained Rose. 

Following a seizure at home, Finn was diagnosed at Cavan Hospital before being transferred to Temple Street Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to insert a shunt to drain fluid from his brain to relieve the pressure. He later had surgery to remove his tumour, his surgeon managed to remove most of it.

Unfortunately,  Finn then developed Posterior Fossa Syndrome and temporarily lost his speech. “He can not walk at the moment and requires 24 hour care,” remarked Rose. “He is also being fed by a NG tube in his nose.”

This meant that Finn's mammy and daddy had to stop working to look after him as well as taking care of Finns' brothers and sister.

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Finn's cancer spread and his doctors recommended that he have 6 high doses of Chemotherapy, a stem cell harvest and rescue followed by Proton therapy to his brain and spine. Finn has had his 5th dose of Chemotherapy and is soon to have his 6th dose together with stem cell rescue in the coming weeks.

Finn will have Proton Therapy to his brain and spine as this causes less damage to his developing brain than conventional radiotherapy would. Rose pointed out, “This treatment is not available in Ireland at the moment and Finn will have to travel to either Manchester or Germany and stay for 6/8 weeks to avail of this treatment.”

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The HSE will pay for the treatment however Finn's family will have to cover the cost of any other medical treatment unless it was requested by the Irish based consultant and approved by the HSE.

Rose outlined that over the weekend they were informed by John Glynn, Director of The Gavin Glynn Foundation, that they will cover the cost of Finn’s family's travel, accommodation and living expenses abroad. 

She added, “We are overwhelmed by the generous response we have received so far and we can't thank everyone enough. We appreciate each and every donation and everyone who has shared our page.”

She said the ‘Finn’s Journey’ gofundme page appeal should cover the cost of any medical bills they may have for Finn that may not be covered by the HSE and help Finn’s family prepare for the journey. 

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Rose stressed that any funds not used will be shared among other charities who help families in these circumstances.

She concluded, “If you are in a position to donate we would really appreciate it and the O'Reilly, Donlon and McKenna families thank everyone for their kindness.”

Dillon’s Bar in Ballinamuck are also planning to organise a benefit night for Finn on the May bank holiday weekend.