The O’Neill McDermott Family Appeal

Dear friends, family, and community members, We write to you today with heavy hearts, yet hopeful spirits, as we share the story of our beloved siblings, Seoirse and Seán O'Neill-McDermott. Over the past year, our family has been confronted with the devastating reality of CMMRD (Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome), a rare genetically inherited disorder that dramatically increases one's susceptibility to various forms of cancer. Seoirse, a vibrant 25-year-old woman, has already undergone a large scale Whipple Procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), a massive surgical intervention aimed at removing potential cancer sites in her stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, and duodenum. This surgery was a preventative measure after a polyp was discovered in her duodenum, a discovery that led to the diagnosis of Cancer. Thanks to the swift action taken, Seoirse's cancer was successfully removed before it could progress further. But the fight against CMMRD doesn't end there. Seán, her 14-year-old brother, also carries the CMMRD gene, and he too is undergoing numerous tests and interventions to safeguard his health, which will continue for some time. The statistics surrounding CMMRD are sobering, with only 1 in every 1,000,000 people carrying the gene. Yet, within our family, this genetic anomaly has manifested in three out of our eight children, while four others carry the Lynch Syndrome Gene. We are faced with the daunting task of navigating uncharted territory, grappling with grief, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Today, we reach out to you, our cherished community, for support. We are organizing a fundraiser to alleviate the financial burden of ongoing medical expenses, treatments, copious travel expenses and ongoing research efforts. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference in Seoirse and Seán's fight against CMMRD. Together, we can rally behind our loved ones, raise awareness about rare genetic disorders like CMMRD. Your generosity will not only provide immediate assistance to our family but also offer hope for a brighter, cancer-free future. Please join us in this crucial endeavor by donating to our fundraiser and sharing our story with your networks. Together, we can make a profound impact and stand in solidarity with those affected by CMMRD.

Thanking you for all your support

The ONeill McDermott Family