Sharon Ball, 38, from Meath was diagnosed with stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma in October
Sharon Ball, 38
A young mum-of-three from Co Meath is set to undergo life-saving brain surgery in New York next week after an extraordinary fundraising campaign surpassed expectations.
38-year-old Sharon Ball, from Bohermeen, was diagnosed with stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma last October, and has since undergone chemotherapy which was unsuccessful.
Sharon’s form of bone cancer is extremely rare, and that it’s believed there are potentially around 200 undiagnosed cases across the world.
The primary school teacher and mother-of-three received her diagnosis in October and underwent rounds of chemotherapy, which unfortunately proved ineffective.
However, in a recent update posted to her GoFundMe page, Sharon expressed that her heart is ‘filled with gratitude’ as she prepares to undergo specialised surgery in New York.
Sharon Ball from Meath(Image: GoFundMe)
She and her husband Dermot travelled to New York this week to begin consultations ahead of the vital life-saving surgery.
In an update shared on Good Friday, Sharon announced that after meeting with doctors, she’s been accepted for surgery and she will undergo the procedure on Monday.
“Surgery is booked for Monday, 6th, and my heart is filled with gratitude. Thank you to everyone who has donated, encouraged and helped make this possible. Your generosity, kindness, prayers and love truly mean more than words can ever say,” she said.
Sharon also uploaded a photograph of herself outside the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, which ranks amongst the best hospitals for cancer treatment in the US, reports RSVP Live.
The couple expect to remain in the States for several months, as Sharon will need additional treatment after the initial procedure, along with recovery time near the hospital.
Sharon Ball and her family(Image: GoFundMe)
Sharon is a dedicated mother to her three little ones, Jack (6), Louis (4) and Sophie (9 months), and states she is determined to do ‘everything she can’ to be present to watch her children grow up.
Sharon’s loved ones have been desperately working to secure the funds required for her life-saving operation, and thanks to nearly 18,000 generous donors, they have smashed their initial €650k fundraising target within days, with the total now standing at an incredible €800,000.
The GoFundMe page was established last week by Sharon’s sister-in-law, Catriona O’Brien, who has appealed to the public to keep the young woman in their thoughts and prayers.
Sharon outside the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York(Image: GoFundMe)
Her close friend, Gearóid Rennicks, told the Irish Mirror that the donations have, “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.”
Throughout the journey, Gearóid has said Sharon has remained positive despite facing many lows and she is determined to do everything she can to be there to watch her three children grow up.
“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.
Sharon Ball and her family(Image: GoFundMe)
“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.”
To donate to Sharon’s cause, click here.
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