Over €78k raised in support of young woman battling rare and aggressive tumour
22-year-old Maeve Duffy, from Gusserane, has been bravely battling a rare and aggressive tumour called a facial nerve schwannoma since she was 17. The very rare benign mass has caused 'relentless' pain, nausea, dizziness and significant hearing loss.
After fighting the tumour for the past five years and exhausting every treatment available in Ireland - including radiation - and experiencing years of delays and consultations, Maeve's doctors have informed her that the tumour is inoperable here.
If the tumour is not removed, her symptoms will continue to worsen, and the rare condition will prove fatal.
The young woman's only option at making a full recovery is to undergo surgery at the International Neuroscience Institute in Hanover in Germany.
However, the cost of this surgery is over €107,000 and as "time is critical", Maeve's family and friends have launched a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising enough money for her to undergo the life-saving surgery.
A message shared on the GoFundMe page by the fundraiser's organisers states: "Our wonderful cousin Maeve Duffy is 22, and for the past five years has been bravely battling a rare and aggressive tumour called a facial nerve schwannoma. Maeve is now in urgent need of life-saving surgery.
"After exhausting every treatment available in Ireland — including radiation and years of delays and consultations — her doctors have told her that the tumour is inoperable here. Meanwhile, Maeve lives with relentless pain, nausea, dizziness, and significant hearing loss. Despite everything, she remains her kind, funny, and fiercely-determined self.
"But there is hope. Specialists at the International Neuroscience Institute in Hanover, Germany, renowned for treating complex cases like Maeve's, can help. Their surgical team has the expertise to give Maeve a real chance at recovery. But the cost of this surgery is over €107,000, and time is critical.
"We're doing everything we can to raise the funds to get Maeve to Germany for this life-changing surgery. If you're able to donate — no matter how big or small — it would mean the world to Maeve and all of us who love her."
The GoFundMe page was set up on June 19 and has already raised over €78,000 of its €117,525 goal, with the fundraiser's organisers saying they have "been blown away by the generosity" of those who have made a donation.
"Hi everyone, we just wanted to say the biggest, most heartfelt thank you from Maeve, Siobhán, Peter, Tom, and Aidan," the fundraiser's organisers said in a message shared on the GoFundMe page.
"We've been blown away by the generosity, kind messages, and support from friends, family, and strangers. It means the world to see so many people rally around Maeve; it's been incredibly moving and uplifting during a tough time.
"Your kindness is making a real difference, and we're so grateful."
If you would like to make a donation, you can visit the fundraising page here.
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