Joseph’s Journey

Joseph was diagnosed with high risk Neuroblastoma in Sept 2021. We are now fundraising for him to be accepted on a clinical trial for a vaccine for Neuroblastoma in the world renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York.

Joseph’s story so far…

Joseph is a happy, intelligent, kind and caring 9 year old boy. He is in third class in St Comans Wood Primary School in Roscommon. He loves all things sports especially Gaelic and hurling with his beloved club Roscommon Gaels. He also enjoys soccer with Roscommon Town FC. He is an avid supporter of Roscommon Gaa and also Liverpool FC. Joseph and his twin brother Cillian have a bond like no other and spend all day every day together.

Our world was turned upside down in September 2021 in the midst of a global pandemic when Joseph was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 7. All the sports and activities he loved were no longer an option for him and instead numerous hospital trips and gruelling treatments became the norm. He couldn’t go to school and missed all his friends so much. We as his parents were devastated to watch our little boy endure so much pain and suffering. Time with his brother Cillian was greatly reduced and for the first time in his life the two boys were on different paths but their bond has remained as strong as ever.

Joseph’s diagnosis …

Joseph had initially been complaining of neck pain which progressed to his lower back. After trips to the doctors and hospital it was eventually discovered after an MRI that Joseph had a tumour on his adrenal gland just above his kidney and was pressing against his spine. Joseph was transferred to Crumlin hospital where our worst fears were confirmed. Joseph was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma. This was to be the beginning of a very tough and aggressive treatment plan for Joseph.

Joseph’s treatment so far…

To date Joseph has endured surgery to remove the tumour and his adrenal gland, insertion of a central line in his chest, 6 months of Chemotherapy, daily injections, high dose Chemotherapy followed by two stem cell transplants which included 9 weeks in isolation, 14 rounds of Radiotherapy, 4 of 5 Immunotherapy, multiple bone marrow aspirates and blood transfusions not forgetting countless hospital admissions, numerous scans, insertion of a feeding tube and daily medication.

His bravery and cool character has been nothing short of amazing and he continues to inspire us and make us so proud every day.

Joseph has responded well to treatment so far and is now nearing the end of his frontline treatment in Crumlin Hospital. The treatment and care he has received in Crumlin and his local hospital Portiuncula has been exceptional and we are forever grateful to everyone who has helped Joseph get this far. Joseph will complete his treatment this April in Crumlin hospital and we are hoping and praying that his end of treatment scans will remain clear and he will be in remission.

The Bivalent Vaccine…

The next stage in Joseph’s journey is to get him enrolled on a clinical trial to prevent his cancer returning. The bivalent vaccine works by targeting two proteins found on neuroblastoma cells: GD2L and GD3L. It is the only pediatric tumor vaccine in existence. As Neuroblastoma unfortunately has a high rate of relapse and if this should happen prognosis is poor it is essential that we get to New York to give Joseph the best possible chance of beating cancer for good.

The cost of this vaccine and everything associated with it is hugely expensive and that’s why we need your help. The timeline between finishing treatment in Crumlin and getting his vaccine is short so we need to act quickly.

Please donate to Joseph’s fund to ensure he gets the best chance at life. We appreciate the kindness and generosity of you all.

Aoife (Mannion) and Michael Belton, Joseph’s parents.