Help Teri Fight Anaplastic Ependymoma

We have set up this GoFundMe to help Teri (39) our daughter, sister, mother, and dear friend, who is fighting a rare aggressive spinal cancer called Anaplastic Ependymoma.

Back pain is something that most of us suffer with throughout our lives. However, this time, it turned out to be something much more sinister. One of the worst things imagineable - Grade 3 cancer with multiple tumors wrapped around the whole length of her spinal cord.

The first step in fighting this for Teri took place 5 weeks ago. She underwent two major surgeries in order to remove the two largest tumors at the base & top of her spine which were causing her to lose power in all of her limbs. These surgeries were very extensive & require three months of recovery. However, we can't wait for the 3 months' recovery before starting the 2nd step. That's where we need some help.

The 2nd step to fight this involves Craniospinal Proton Therapy lasting at least 2 months in Essen, Germany. The HSE don't normally fund this treatment, but due to how complex this case is, they have very thankfully approved funding. However, this funding does not cover accommodation/travel or living expenses while abroad. Already, Teri has had expensive last-minute flights to cover all while being out of work recovering from surgery and also continuing to care for her normal day to day expenses.

She is already forming a list of wheelchair pushers for the weekends, and anyone who knows Teri knows she'll be well able to order us around.

Although the treatment will be difficult, Teri is a fighter, and, above all, she wants to just extend her life prognosis as much as possible to be there for her beautiful daughter Skye.

This treatment will extend her life, but it won't cure anything. Many have asked how to help, and some have even asked if we have a GoFundMe set up, so now that we know what step 2 is, we decided to put it out there. Raising this money will take any immediate financial burden off Teri.

Teri has been extremely positive in every step so far & will continue to be. However, she wants to apologise in advance for any backlash and says, "Sorry lads, if I’m not pleasant, just imagine yourself being extremely hangry."

We are thankful for everyone who has helped so far including friends, family, and neighbours, but especially to the neurology team in Beaumount hospital and especially her surgeon Ms Catherine Moran.

Now, onto the next part of the journey.

No pressure, but thanks in advance to all who can donate. We can all keep her in our thoughts and prayers