A fundraising drive has been launched for a south Donegal mother-of-two who has been diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.
Melinda McMullan from Killybegs has been told that her cancer, which has recently spread to her spleen, is incurable.
Melinda, the mother of Fionn and Eryka, is now seeking alternative options having been informed by medics that treatment is no longer working.
Friends are raising funds to support Melinda, Fionn and Eryka, covering home comforts, medical supplies and a financial safety net for the children’s future, so Melinda can focus on spending time with them.
Already, over €7,000 has been raised and you can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/standing-with-melinda-mcmullan-and-her-children
Organisers Aisling Byrne, Helen Gallagher and Kerry Gallagher say that Melinda is “a force of nature”.
They said: “She is headstrong, incredibly tenacious, and possesses a generous, vibrant spirit that lifts up everyone around her. But above all else, Melinda is a fiercely devoted mother to her two beautiful children, Fionn and Eryka.
“They are her entire world, and she has faced every single setback and painful milestone with the heart of a true fighter, all while trying to maintain stability and a brave face for them.”
You may also be interested in
They say that their goal if “comfort and peace of mind” for Melinda, Fionn and Eryka.
They are aiming to support Melinda as she navigates her next steps and they want to ensure that the children are fully supported through the incredibly difficult days that are ahead.
“Melinda’s greatest source of anxiety right now is the future of her children and the immediate cost of her care,” the organisers say.
“The emotional and financial toll of late stage cancer is overwhelming, and because she has been unable to work due to her illness, the financial strain on the family is severe.
“We are launching this fundraiser to lift that heavy burden from her shoulders. We want Melinda to be able to focus 100% of her energy on being a mom and spending precious, peaceful moments with Fionn and Eryka – without the terrifying stress of mounting bills and financial uncertainty.”
Money raised will go towards caring for Melinda and securing a foundation for her children.
The funds will cover essential home comforts and medical supplies to maximise the quality of life as well as assisting Fionn and Eryka with daily “stability, essentials and immediate care needs” as well as helping to secure their future by way of a financial safety net.