Fundraising campaign for Leitrim baby reaches amazing target

The fundraising campaign for a young Leitrim baby has now raised almost €29,000 to provide financial support for a local couple whose baby boy is currently receiving round-the-clock care. 

The campaign has now received well over 600 donations to help the family from Kinlough with their financial costs. 

Joe and Clare Lynch’s baby boy, Oscar, is currently in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, battling a rare and life-threatening condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).

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Clare learned of Oscar’s condition during her 18 week scan. She had to travel alone to Belgium for fetal surgery, without financial support for accommodation and daily expenses.

She spent seven long weeks in Belgium before returning to Ireland, heading straight to the Rotunda Hospital. Oscar was born prematurely at just 34 weeks.

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At only a week old, Oscar underwent major surgery to repair the hernia. Shortly after, doctors discovered he also has Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), a condition that causes the airways to collapse, making breathing extremely difficult. To help him breathe safely, Oscar received a tracheostomy to establish a stable airway.

Oscar has been in hospital for several months now, and it is expected he will remain there for much of the year.

Joe and Clare are staying nearby at the Ronald McDonald House, but the emotional and financial toll is immense.

While they remain focused on Oscar’s recovery, they are also juggling bills, mounting responsibilities, and caring for their eldest son, Arthur.

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To help ease the burden, Clare’s sister Megan Lawlor has set up a gofundme campaign to support the family during this incredibly difficult time.

“I’ve created this gofundme on behalf of my incredible sister Clare, her loving husband Joe, their sweet son Arthur, and their newest little fighter—baby Oscar,” Megan wrote on the fundraising page.

“Baby Oscar is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, facing a journey no child—or family—should ever have to go through,” she added.

Oscar will require further surgeries, including an upcoming cleft surgery, and remains in a highly vulnerable state, needing round-the-clock care.

Anyone wishing to help can search “Help Support Baby Oscar and His Brave Family” on the gofundme website.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has offered love, support, prayers or financial help so far. Oscar’s fight is far from over, but with your help, this amazing family won’t have to face it alone,” Megan said.

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