Two-year-old Chloe doing well in cancer battle

CHLOE’S FAMILY HOST FUNDRAISING DANCE IN KILLORGLIN

IT’S been a tough start to life for Chloe Jenkins, but the little girl has proven herself to be a real warrior.

For almost a year Chloe has been battling Neuroblastoma – a very rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Chloe lives in Cork with her Mom, Deborah, who is from Killorglin; and dad, Gareth from Dublin. Their lives were turned upside down last March when the devastating news came that Chloe was seriously ill. Since then, she’s undergone five months of intensive chemotherapy, followed by surgery to help kill the tumour.

In December Chloe underwent specialist proton-beam therapy in Germany to target the tumour wrapped around her organs, and she is now undergoing a six-month Vitamin A treatment at home in bid to destroy remaining cancer cells.

All this has had a financial toll on the family, who set up the fundraising drive ‘Chloe’s Journey’ to help ensure she gets the treatment and support she needs. The funds raised helped offset the financial costs faced by the family, including accommodation and travel costs and specialist treatment.

The family has been hugely supported in their campaign by former Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy, who came out in support of Chloe – even if she is half a Kerry girl and half a Dub!

Chloe has strong links to the kingdom and regularly visits her mother’s home-place. Deborah O’Connor is from Mount Lyne in Killorglin, where her grandparents, Francie and Doreen, still live. Chloe even won the Bonny Baby competition in Puck Fair.

Her aunt and uncle-in-law, Angela and Brendan Reidy, also live in Killorglin, and her family have now come together to host a fundraising dance for ‘Chloe Journey’s this weekend, Saturday, February 1.

The dance takes place in the Manor Hotel in Killorglin ahead of Biddy celebrations the following week. Doors open from 9pm for what promises to be a great night of entertainment for all.

Music will be provided by Ger Healy (The Singing Jarvey), and a monster raffle will take place on the night, with the opportunity to win a signed Irish rugby jersey among other great prizes donated. A host of events have taken place across the county in aid of ‘Chloe’s Journey’ including a recent swimathon at Tralee Sports Complex, which was supported by Kieran Donaghy and the Tralee Warriors basketball team. The Killorglin Pantomime also donated some of the proceeds from one of their shows to Chloe, and just after Christmas, the local community also held a fundraising walk with Laune Rangers.

Chloe’s family are very grateful for all the support they have received over the past year. Donations have flowed in to the online fund to bolster the fundraising drive.

Chloe’s uncle-in-law, Brendan Reidy, told The Kerryman that despite the tough battle she faces, Chloe is a fighter, and everyone is very proud of her.

“She is doing very well. She just started a new treatment and everyone is hopeful,” he said.

Tickets for the dance can be purchased by contacting (086) 320 5253 or (087) 647 5234, or contact Chloe’s Journey on Facebook.

Chloe with her parents: dad, Gareth; and mother, Deborah, who is from Killorglin.

Two-year old Chloe Jenkins, who has faced a tough cancer battle over the past year.