Help Support Baby Oscar and His Brave Family

Clare talking with 2fm about their journey

Help Support Baby Oscar and His Brave Family

Hi, my name is Megan Lawlor, and 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.

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.

Oscar's Story

At Clare’s 18-week scan, doctors discovered something wasn’t right. Baby Oscar was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—a rare and life-threatening condition that occurs when the diaphragm doesn’t form properly, leaving a hole that allows organs to move into the chest and impact lung development.

To give Oscar the best chance of survival, Clare flew to Belgium for fetal surgery—alone and without financial support for bills or accomodation. The procedure involved placing a balloon in Oscar’s trachea to promote lung growth. Clare remained in Belgium for seven long weeks before returning to Ireland and heading straight to the Rotunda hospital, and baby Oscar was born at just 34 weeks.

At only one week old, Oscar underwent major surgery to repair the hernia. But his challenges didn’t stop there. Doctors soon discovered he also has Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM)—a condition where the airways collapse, making it dangerously difficult to breathe. To help him breathe safely, Oscar had a tracheostomy placed to create a stable airway.

While the tracheostomy has helped, life is still incredibly fragile. Even a common virus could pose a serious threat to Oscar, often requiring immediate medical intervention and respiratory support. He remains extremely vulnerable and needs constant care and monitoring.

In addition to everything he’s already been through, Oscar will also require cleft surgery in the near future, adding yet another layer to an already overwhelming medical journey.

What They’re Facing Now

Oscar has already been in the hospital for months, and it’s likely he’ll remain there for most of the year. Clare and Joe are staying close by at the Ronald McDonald House, which has been a true blessing—but life outside the hospital doesn’t pause. Bills, responsibilities, and financial pressures continue to build while their focus remains on Oscar’s recovery.

How You Can Help

This GoFundMe is to help ease the financial burden on Clare and Joe—covering bills, travel, and essential costs—so they can continue to be fully present with their little boy as he fights the biggest battle of his life.

Any amount you can give is deeply appreciated, and if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page means the world to us.

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