A Dublin mum-of-three has moved to Barcelona for six months of treatment following a devastating rare cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Sabrina O’Connor, a business owner from Dun Laoghaire, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Mucosal Melanoma – an extremely rare cancer – in February. The 45-year-old’s family have launched a fundraiser for her as she encounters significant costs while undergoing treatment abroad.
Speaking to Dublin Live, Sabrina explained that her diagnosis was unexpected as she didn’t have any health concerns. “This is an extremely rare type of cancer, and there is simply not enough research or time being put into prevention and treatment,” Sabrina said.
“I am lucky, in a way, to be so young when contracting this. It increases my chance of survival. I am someone who is highly focused on both physical and mental wellbeing. I am on top of all of my healthcare checks every year. That is why this diagnosis came as such a surprise to me.
“The year before, I had gotten a full body health check, and other than the usual slight vitamin deficiency, no signs signalled toward anything of this extreme. I am incredibly lucky to have the support I do during this time from friends and family.”
When Sabrina sought treatment in Ireland following her diagnosis, she found her options were extremely limited, forcing her to seek help abroad. She said: “This diagnosis has only drawn me further from my support systems than anything. There was not much that could be done for me here, other than chemotherapy and radiation. I wanted the best chance of survival, for my kids, for my business.
“I am a local business owner in Dun Laoghaire. This supports my children, and is our livelihood. Having to travel for treatment has been a tremendous expense, which is why, with the help of my son Oliver, I am trying to raise as much awareness as possible for the cause. Also, due to the experimental nature of the treatment I am receiving, the costs alone are astronomical.
“My son Oliver has set up a GoFundMe page online, as well as reaching out to others to start fundraisers wherever possible. We are trying to make as many people aware of the situation, and the effect it has had on our family. I have to be away from my kids, who are the very reason I work so hard everyday.
“However, I need to be away from them in order to get treatment and get better. All I want is for my life to go back to the way it was before all of this. Happy, healthy, and with my children.
“I have been receiving cell treatment for around 3 weeks now. I have another 24 weeks to go, with a scan to monitor the progress in June. This treatment, along with the cost of living in general, have been a massive financial strain on my family and I. I am receiving this treatment in a private hospital in Barcelona. My family and I are looking to raise awareness, as well as funds, wherever possible.
“My children’s schools are doing fundraisers, in an attempt to raise money for the cause. Also, people are doing classes in gyms, walks to raise awareness & actively looking for anyone we can get to highlight the severity of this situation.”
You can visit Sabrina’s GoFundMe page here.
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