Appeal for Navan teenager battling cancer

Family and friends of a Navan teenager who has been diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer are rallying round to help and support her as she goes through gruelling treatment.

Seventeen year old Emily Gaule who was due to sit her Leaving Cert next month was diagnosed with a high grade carcinoma of the ovary last week and her family are appealing for help with accommodation and travel costs so they stay at her side during her battle.

Emily, a daughter of Jacky Dunne and Keith Gaule, has already started treatment. She had been due to sit her Leaving cert net month but that has now been put on hold.

Emily was diagnosed in the Mater Hospital where they discovered a ten inch mass on ovary which had increased in size by two centimetres since she was hospitalised. The cancer is extremely rare in young people and is usually only found in women over 60.

Doctors moved very fast after Emily's diagnosis and she had already finished one round of Chemotherapy. Emily has finished her first round yesterday (Tuesday). "It took five days from start to finish and it has taken its toll on her. Onwards and upwards now though she's officially into her cycle of treatment and will soon be picking out a wig as her hair will start falling out very soon," says her Mum, Jacky.

"The next round of chemotherapy starts net month. She will spend another two nights in hospital and then takes three days of oral chemo when she goes home," her aunt, Nicole explains.

"She is feeling nauseous and unwell at the moment and it looks as if she will will have to put her Leaving Cert on hold as her health comes first."

Nicole has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help the family during this unimaginably difficult time.

Emily's parents and older sister Kayley do not have their own transport and have been relying on lifts to the hospital from family and friends. Jacky also suffers from a number of health issues including narcolepsy and is unable to travel by herself in case she falls asleep.

Her parents will need to stay with Emily in Dublin for at least two nights during her treatment. "Emily is scared and unwell and her parents just want to be able to be at her side all the time.

"Hotel rates change so fast. When Jacky and Keith stayed for three nights at a hotel two weeks ago, it cost €400. This week the same room was €700 for three nights so they can't afford that.

"Emily has a loft bed, which she used to climb up to, but she's not able for that now and because her immune system is wiped out, they need to take out the old carpet in her bedroom. She will lose her hair and need a wig.

"Jacky is unable to work because of her health issues and Keith works three days a week, because he is Jacky's carer. This is all a financial strain," Nicole explains.

Most children's charities only provide help and accommodation to families of children with cancer up until they are 16 years of age, and there are grants for those over 18, but Emily falls between two stools because she is only 17.

"I just feel like my heart has stopped and I can't believe this is happening. I just keep crying but I'm holding back a lot of emotion because I don't want to break down. She is our little girl and we just want to make everything right - but we can't," Jackie said.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/k9937-help-emilys-family