Help Caitlín Receive Vital Treatment in America

Help Caitlín Receive Vital Treatment in America

Thanks for all your help to date.

Urgent appeal for help, Caitlin Strain now needs us more than ever. We need to raise substantial funds for Caitlin’s treatment in America. Please donate and share; all help is welcomed and appreciated. We want to encourage everyone, individuals, groups, colleagues, clubs, schools, community groups, businesses etc., to assist with fundraising in any way they can.

Eimear and Thomas have received devastating news following the most recent MRI. After seeking help from America, they accepted and started treatment in Texas. Caitlín travelled to America and commenced treatment on Wednesday, 31st of August.

About Caitlin

Caitlin is the most beautiful, kind-hearted and caring child. She loves music, animals and especially the family dog, Bella. She mostly loves being around people, especially her family and friends. Caitlin is the second youngest of five children and has one brother and three sisters.

Diagnosis and treatments

On February 18th, 2021, three days before her 8th birthday, Caitlin was diagnosed with a brain tumour; this was devastating news for Caitlin’s parents and siblings.

Caitlin celebrated her 8th birthday in Temple Street Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, surrounded by close family. Three days later, Caitlin underwent the first of three surgeries to attempt to remove the tumour.

After a six-week admission to Temple Street Hospital, Caitlin and her family travelled to Essen in Germany, where Caitlin received six weeks of Proton Radiotherapy and returned home to Co. Donegal at the end of May 2021.

On July 12th, 2021, Caitlin commenced approximately nine months of Chemotherapy in Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland. Caitlin is now nine years old and is a very outgoing, bubbly child. Her high-spirited personality helped her through all the hard times and treatment she received. Caitlin’s chemotherapy was completed in March of this year.

Following a four-month break, an MRI scan was arranged. Caitlin’s family, once again, received the devastating news that the treatment had not worked. Caitlin was given a terrible prognosis.

Treatment in America

Caitlin’s parents and family researched possible treatments that America could offer. Caitlin was accepted for treatment in Houston, Texas, where her treatment commenced on August 31st. Caitlin is tolerating treatment well and is in good spirits.

Appeal for Urgent Help

Medical treatments in America come at a high cost, and this is no different; we are asking everyone for help; please help in any way you can by donating, arranging fundraising events, assisting with events, sharing, promoting etc.

People are so good; through your prayers, efforts, and donations, we have gotten this far, and we cannot describe how helpful this has been for Caitlin and her family. All help is graciously appreciated and welcomed.

Please don't hesitate to contact the Organisers, Patricia McKinney, Maria Barron (Strain) or Fabian Gibson (Eimear's brother) if you experience any difficulties with this GoFundMe or wish to contribute or assist through alternative means.

Please continue to keep Caitlín and her family in your Prayers.

Thank you all

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Origional Story from Feb 2021

Help Caitlin and Her Family in Her Recovery

 In Letterkenny University Hospital, Co. Donegal on Thursday 18th February this year. Caitlin's parents, Eimear and Thomas, received the horrifying news that Caitlin has a brain tumour. Later that evening with her Mum by her side she was transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin where she continues to receive great care.

 Caitlin is a lovely little girl with the most amazing personality, putting a smile on the face of all those she encounters. Caitlin celebrated her 8th birthday with her family on Sunday 21st February outside Temple Street Hospital. She stated afterwards "I had the best birthday"

 Caitlin had surgery on Tuesday 23rd February and Wednesday 3rd of March. Surgery was a success where the surgeons removed all they could. She continues to recover from surgery and is making good progress.

 Caitlin's treatment will be long and very difficult. She will receive Radiotherapy followed by Chemotherapy. Caitlin will travel to Germany for Radiotherapy and will be required to travel two weeks earlier to allow for isolation before treatment.

 The purpose of this GoFundMe is to: help with Caitlin's medical expenses; help her parents and family with travel and accommodation expenses; and provide some financial support and security.

 On behalf of Caitlin's family we wish to thank all medical staff involved with Caitlin's care and everyone for their prayers. Please continue to keep Caitlin in your prayers.

 We wish to thank everyone for their messages, help and support.

 Please don't hesitate to contact the Organisers; Patricia McKinney, Maria Barron (Strain) or Fabian Gibson (Eimear's brother) if you experience any difficulties with this GoFundMe or you wish to contribute through alternative means.

Thanks for your help