By Rebecca Crockett
OVER €75,000 has been raised since Friday for a Donegal six-year-old who was diagnosed with cancer following a standard A&E visit.
Ruby Houston was diagnosed with an advanced aggressive cancer called Neuroblastoma after attending A&E with a sore leg.
Described as their “smart, kind, funny and loving 6-year-old girl”, Alana and Sean Houston expressed shock at Ruby’s diagnosis saying it was, “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
A GoFundMe page was set up on their behalf on Friday with the page raising €70,000 in a single day. The original goal had been €10,000 but this was quickly surpassed.
Writing on the fundraising page, representees of the Houston family said: “The funds that are raised will help cover the loss of income from being off work for the foreseeable, travelling from Donegal to Dublin for her treatment and covering living expenses while in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
“Any contribution no matter how small will be so much appreciated to help alleviate money worries to allow Alana and Seany to focus solely on their little girl.”
At last count, the page has reached €77,945 from 1.6k different donors, with donations continually coming in.
In response to the outpouring of support, father, Sean conveyed gratitude from the whole family saying they were “overwhelmed” by the reaction. Sean said: “The bottom of our hearts thank you all so much, the power of the people is never to be underestimated.”
Sean highlighted the battle still in front of them but thanked everyone for the continued strength provided to them:
“As we begin this dreaded journey that lies ahead of us the fight has already started but this response gives us so much hope and courage for the fight ahead. So please keep the prayers coming for our precious little girl. Thanks, doesn’t cut it, people are amazing.”
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