Sharon Ball, 38, from Bohermeen, Co Meath, was diagnosed with stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma last October
Sharon and her loving husband
Relatives and friends of a Co Meath mother-of-three fighting an “extremely rare and aggressive” cancer say they’ve received a “massive lift” after more than €685,000 was donated in under 48 hours to fund potentially life-saving treatment.
Sharon Ball, 38, from Bohermeen, received a stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma diagnosis last October, and has subsequently undergone chemotherapy which proved unsuccessful.
However, Sharon and her loved ones have remained determined in their search for treatment options, and have now identified an opportunity for life-saving surgery in New York.
A GoFundMe campaign launched just two days ago has already surpassed half a million euros, with well-known figures including Maura Higgins and Jenny McCarthy promoting the appeal.
Her close friend, Gearóid Rennicks, told the Irish Mirror that the response has “blown everyone away”.
He said: “Everyone getting involved has given us a massive lift. It’s very hard to get your head around, and to think this money has been raised in such a short period of time.
“We’re all incredibly thankful to absolutely everyone who’s donated, it’s really shown the power of people when they come together.”
Sharon Ball with her family
Gearóid explained that Sharon’s particular form of bone cancer is exceptionally uncommon, with estimates suggesting there may be approximately 200 undiagnosed cases worldwide. He went on: “She had bad headaches last October, and thought she had ear infections. But when she went to the doctors and got scans, it turns out she had osteosarcoma.
“In February the plan was to remove it and then to start chemo after her original operation. However, after two weeks they realised that the tumour wasn’t reacting, and when they’d scanned it had grown back to pre-operation size, which shows how aggressive it is.
“Only last week she was due to go to hospital to have the tumor removed. But she was told it was inoperable, and there was nothing that could be done in this country.
“She’s got great willpower and determination. Sharon won’t take no for an answer. She contacted hospitals around the world to see if anyone could operate and try to remove it from her, and one in New York said it was something they could do.”
Sharon, originally from Bohermeen near Kells, is a devoted mother to Jack, six, Louis, four, and baby Sophie who is just nine months old and is determined to do everything she can to be there to watch them grow up
Throughout this ordeal, Gearóid revealed that Sharon has maintained a positive outlook despite numerous setbacks, remaining resolute in her determination to be present for her three children’s futures.
“You hear that these journeys come with highs and lows, but to be honest there hasn’t been many highs for Sharon,” Gearóid told the Irish Mirror.
“The chemo didn’t work, and she was told that the tumour wasn’t operable.
“But now this is a big opportunity. She hasn’t sat and felt sorry for herself, she’s been looking for solutions.
“I’ve been saying Sharon’s not looking to run a marathon, she wants to see her nine-month-old take their first steps, and to see all of her kids grow up.”
Sharon Ball, 38
Having already surpassed €685,000 in donations, the funds raised will prove invaluable in supporting Sharon on her road to recovery.
Despite the remarkable response, Gearóid was keen to stress that the total cost of the procedure has yet to be confirmed, and urged the public to continue contributing to Sharon’s fundraiser.
Donations to Sharon’s cause can be made via the GoFundMe page.
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