Brave teenager is on way for life-saving surgery
A 15-year old Meath teenager is on his way for possible life-saving treatment in Vienna, after over €35,000 was raised in a week through an outpouring of public generosity.
Slav Vavro and his family have expressed their heartfelt thanks to the 'entire community who stands by us and who took time out of their very busy schedules at this difficult time through Covid-19 to support us."
Slav Vavro faced the possibility of having part of his leg amputated because of a tumour if he stays in Ireland but specialist treatment in Austria will not only save his leg but, hopefully, his life.
Just over a week ago, Slav's mother Nadia appealed for help to raise the funds needed to get her son the operation, which is scheduled for next week.
The young Laytown man was diagnosed with a very rare type of stage four Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in January 2018 and initial surgery incompletely removed the tumour on his foot, which has recurred.
The cancer lay undetected in the arch of his foot until it spread into his spine and bone marrow. After gruelling chemotherapy, the family was told that any further treatment would be palliative and not curative.
In recent weeks, a tumour appeared in his foot which called for the emergency appeal to fund treatment in Europe.
"The surgeon in Ireland said Slav may end up getting his leg amputated below the knee to make sure the cancer was removed," she said
"However in Austria, they say they can remove the tumour with wide, clear margins to ensure it doesn't return again and to perform a neuro-muscular reconstruction of his foot as well as the reconstruction of his vein. Amputation, they say, is not necessary."
In just over ten days, over €40,000 has been raised through donations and local events and Nadia says she is 'overwhelmed' by the goodness of the community.
"We would like to extend our extreme gratitude to the entire community that stands by us. It is heart-warming to see people take time out of their busy schedules in this difficult time through Covid-19 to come out and support Slav.
"We would like to say thank you to each and every one of you. Our flights are booked for October 24th. We have a pre-surgery meeting and Covid test on 26th ahead of the surgery on the 27th.
"It's a very stressful time with all of the Covid restrictions and hopefully they will not delay or complicate anything. If all goes to plan, we should be back home by November 3rd.
"Slav is obviously very anxious about the surgery but at the same time, he is very happy that the surgery in Vienna is going ahead - all thanks to the people who kindly supported him. We are so grateful for all the support since the beginning of this uneasy journey.
"It is the huge support from the community which took all the financial burden off our shoulders and now we can focus on the surgery and outcome without worrying about medical bills. We have exceeded our target but we appreciate having some emergency funds in case we have to stay longer for medical reasons.
"Slav deserves the best chance for his future which he can get now."