Family overwhelmed with response to fundraiser for ‘incredible young lady’
Stephen, Hannah and Barbara Victory after Hannah was presented with a signed Roscommon jersey following Sunday’s Connacht Final. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
A fundraising campaign for a Roscommon teenager with an inoperable brain tumour has raised over €61,000 in only a few short days.
Six weeks ago, Hannah Victory (18) from Tonlegee, Fourmilehouse, was studying for her Leaving Cert at Roscommon Community College when her life was turned upside down with a devastating diagnosis.
A , which was set up by Hannah’s aunt Barbara on Friday, May 1st with an initial target of €50,000, has already raised €61,192.
Barbara explained that her niece began experiencing numbness and tingling on the left side of her face and her left arm. Her GP referred her to Portiuncula University Hospital for a CT scan, which revealed a mass in her brain. Hannah was immediately sent to Beaumont Hospital for a biopsy and the results showed a Grade 4 Glioma, an aggressive, fast growing, and inoperable brain tumour.
“During the biopsy, Hannah had a haemorrhage and lost the power down her left side. Thankfully with physio she has regained most of the power except for weakness in her left arm,” said Barbara. “We were given the heartbreaking news that even with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy she will only have 12 months to live, and without treatment only three.”
Hannah's father Stephen has given up work to bring Hannah to and from her appointments and treatment, and to spend as much time with her as possible.
“Hannah has made a bucket list of all the things she wants to do. She wants to squeeze in a lifetime of experiences and memories in the short time she has left,” Barbara remarked.
Barbara said that while the family is heartbroken by the news, Hannah's bravery and positive attitude have been truly inspirational “She's amazing. She is so strong, she is just an incredible young lady. Hannah loves films, and she would go to the cinema at least once a week. She’d bring a notepad and biro and would take notes,” Barbara told the Herald.
“She had applied for a film and directing course in Carlow and had been accepted. But unfortunately, we have had to cancel that.”
She added that the family is overwhelmed and so grateful to the many people who have donated and offered their support.
As well as helping the family financially at this most difficult time, it could also help Hannah participate in a clinical trial in Switzerland, which the family and medical team are hopeful that Hannah will be accepted for.
