Hoping for a normal childhood
PARENTS OF AURYN (6) HOPE HE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN US VACCINE TRIAL
THE parents of a six year old boy fighting a rare form of childhood cancer are hoping to raise enough funds to ensure their son can get the all clear and return to being a normal child.
Barry Phelan, originally from Highfield Rd in Sligo town told The Sligo Champion he and wife Trisha just want their son Auryn to be able to enjoy his childhood again.
Auryn, a massive fan of the Avengers superheroes, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, last year, aged just four.
Since then, Auryn has endured 13 rounds of chemotherapy, two major surgeries, stem cell transplants and 14 rounds of radiotherapy.
Thankfully Auryn has responded well to this treatment and is now nearing the end of his immuno therapy at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, however, he is not out of the woods yet, as his father Barry explained.
“Auryn is in his last phase of immuno therapy. He has one to finish and then hopefully scans in January are clear.”
He explained to The Sligo Champion that the type of cancer his son has has a high rate of relapse, and there are few options of treatment if it returns.
In order to give Auryn the best chance at recovery longterm, Barry and Trisha are fundraising for a clinical trial at the Slone Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York.
‘Auryn’s Heroes’ a GoFund Me appeal was set up last month and to date has raised over €80,000.
Auryn’s parents have said they will do everything in their power to save their son and so have set a target to raise €375,000 by next January.
The Auryn Phelan Treatment and Care Trust has been established to provide funding for Auryn’s medical needs and all proceeds from the Auryn’s Heroes campaign will go to fund Auryn’s treatment.
Barry explained that if there is any money left over, it will be held in the Trust for any future treatment that Auryn may require.
If Auryn does not require treatment, the money will be donated to a childhood cancer charity.
Missing out on normal childhood activities was made all the more difficult when lockdown happened as Barry explained that Auryn was in complete isolation in hospital for over five weeks.
However, Barry said his son “lives in the moment” and takes the treatment in his stride with the help of big sister Lily-Ann (10).
Described as “a gorgeous, energetic, funny, lovable boy”, for now, Auryn is just happy to be home, but still has to do without many of the normal things children may take for granted such as playdates or going to the shop.
The family have set up Auryn’s Heroes fundraising campaign and are planning a series of events in Sligo, in Trisha’s native Mayo and also in Dublin.
They are also encouraging people to sign up for the virtual Vhi Virtual Women’s Mini Marathon in October and run it in aid of Auryn’s Heroes.
A separate 2km virtual Children’s Superhero Walk, which will see children don superhero costumes and raise money, is also planned for October.
The Phelans have said they are incredibly grateful to the people of their native counties and their adopted home.
For more information on how to donate or fundraise visit www.aurynsheroes.ie.