Community rallies as Trim teacher faces urgent fight for treatment

A popular primary school teacher in Trim is urgently seeking support to fund life-saving surgery in New York after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer.

Sharon Ball, 38, who teaches at St Mary’s National School in Trim, is battling a stage four skull-based osteosarcoma an extremely rare form of cancer after being diagnosed in October 2025.

Following months of treatment, chemotherapy has proven unsuccessful, and she has now been given an opportunity to undergo specialist surgery in the United States.

However, the procedure and associated treatment come at a cost of €650,000, with time now critical.

Originally from Bohermeen near Kells, Sharon is a devoted mother to three young children — Jack (6), Louis (4) and baby Sophie, who is just nine months old.

Her family say she is determined to do everything possible to be there for her children as they grow up.

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover the cost of the surgery, with more than €260,000 already raised by supporters.

Those closest to Sharon have described her as a much-loved teacher, colleague and friend, and say the response from the community has been overwhelming.

Despite the progress so far, a significant amount remains to be raised in order to secure the treatment.

Sharon’s family have said that every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference, and are encouraging people to support or share the campaign where possible.

Further details of the fundraiser can be found here