A DAD-of-two has to live long enough to see both of his sons grow as he pleads for vital funds after shock cancer diagnosis.
Daniel Mooney, 37, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumours in May 2024, in which only 30 cases are reported worldwide each year.
The family had recently started their new chapter by moving into their forever home in the countryside of Kildare before their lives were turned upside down by Daniel’s devastating diagnosis.
Despite the shocking diagnosis, Daniel stated that his “focus has never wavered”.
He said: “I need to fight for my family, especially my boys. I want to be there to watch them grow, to guide them, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
“The thought of them not remembering me is unbearable. I want to live for them!”
Since the diagnosis, he has endured nine gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, and the results have been nothing short of “miraculous”.
Daniel revealed that the largest tumour had shrunk from 25cm to 8.4cm, and the cancer had stayed contained within his abdomen.
However, the treatment is expensive, and his body is currently exhausted from his battles, including severe bone marrow suppression and two life-threatening bouts of sepsis.
He is expected to undergo a major surgery to remove the known cancer sites on February 17, it will not be a curative procedure but will give him more time.
Daniel added: “Beyond this, I need further specialised and aggressive treatment, which could offer me a better chance of keeping the disease at bay.
“The Cleveland Clinic in the USA is a world leader in treating DSRCT.
“Doctors Pete Anderson, Dan Joyce, and Erin Murphy have treated over 100 cases and are pioneering cutting-edge treatment protocols for this rare disease including an immunotherapy vaccine that could change everything for me.
“This team offers me the best chance to survive and return home to my family. But the costs are staggering.”
GOFUNDME FUND PLEA
Launching the GoFundMe campaign, the family is raising funds to cover the “overwhelming costs of treatment”, including medical care, travel-related expenses and essential diagnostic procedures like DNA sequencing.
This will help the family cover the total cost of the medical treatment, everyday living bills and childcare, preventing an “immense financial burden”.
However, Daniel as “time is critical”, the window between surgery and requiring follow-up treatment is small and “every day counts” for his survival and achieving his goal.
The campaign was launched with the goal of €211,600 on January 17.
After half a month of the campaign being live, it has raised over €54,000 – a quarter of the goal succeeded.
People have been sharing and doing their best to help the family during difficult times.
Two generous people have donated €3,000, while a handful donated €1,000 to help support his battle with cancer.
You can donate online to Daniel Mooney’s GoFundMe campaign.
