The target is €160,000.
Over €85,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page for an Irish girl in Galway who will require ongoing prosthetic limbs until she reaches adulthood.
Saoírse Ruane was seven years old in December last year when she was diagnosed with a rare osteosarcoma tumour in her tibia bone. The problem required an amputation to her right leg. Additionally, Saoírse now faces months of intense chemotherapy in Crumlin Children’s Hospital to mitigate the effects of the cancer.
As Saoírse is still growing, she will require a new prosthesis every six-12 months until she is 16 years old. At that point, she will require two prosthetic limbs – one for every day use, and a waterproof one that acts as a spare in case of breakage. These limbs have a life of roughly three years.
According to the crowdfunding page, which was started by Saoirse’s mother: “Figures we have received from our review show on average, the cost of a trans tibial prosthesis ranges from €5,000 up to €35,000 per prosthetic depending on the prosthesis she requires each year.”
As of Monday morning (11 May), €85,000 has been raised for Saoirse, but the page is still a way short of its target.
This weekend, a charity music video for a cover of ‘Sing’ by Gary Barlow was put together by Irish singer Shane Farrell, in aid of Saoírse’s cause. Donations can be made here.
Clip via Virtual Voices With Shane
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