Virginia pitches in to raise funds for Robyn

A number of events will take place in Virginia this month as part of a major nationwide fundraising drive to send eight-year-old Dublin girl Robyn Smyth abroad for life-saving treatment.

At the age of three, Robyn was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. A tumour was found in her chest and head and tests showed that the cancer had already spread to many parts of her body.

This meant Robyn’s cancer was stage 4, which put her survival rate at 20-30 per cent. Robyn has since endured chemotherapy, surgery, stem cell transplant, radiotherapy and six months on tablets to try to kill any remaining cancer cells. Some 70-80 per cent of children diagnosed with neuroblastoma will relapse.

Robyn stayed in remission for four-and-a-half years but, on 9th July, the family got the devastating news that Robyn had relapsed. The treatment available in Ireland for children that relapse is very limited but there are cutting edge trial treatments available in hospitals in America and Europe.

Family and friends are desperately trying to raise funds for these treatments which start at €350,000 and can end up costing double this or more. Any help people can give would be greatly apprecicated, whether by making a donation, organising an event, donating raffle prizes or donating time to make collections at events.

A Walk for Life event will take place in Virginia Forest (at the rugby club entrance) at 12 noon this Sunday 18th August. Participants can make a donation of €10 or sponsor cards are available by calling Ciara on (085) 1706 733 or see Ciara K on Facebook. A children’s fun day Sunday takes place the same day in Crowes Corner, Ballyjamesduff, with music, games and lots of surprises.

On Saturday 24th August, a night in aid of Robyn will be held in Preston’s American Bar, Virginia, with live DJ, food and raffle with spot prizes.

Anybody who would like to make a donation to Robyn’s fund should go to www.robynslife.com/donate