Fighting for life: - Fund set up for Kildare man with terminal illness

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started for a Kildare dad diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Daniel Mooney (37), his wife Emma and two young boys had just moved into their “forever home” in the Kildare countryside when Daniel was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumours (DSRCT) in May 2024.

The condition is so rare that only around 30 cases are reported worldwide each year.

By the time the tumour was found, the cancer was at stage four and had spread aggressively in Daniel's abdomen and pelvis.

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As Daniel openly admits, his survival chances were slim without immediate and specialised treatment.

Since his diagnosis, Daniel has endured nine gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, resulting in the largest tumour shrinking significantly and the cancer being contained within his abdomen.

However, treatment has come at a cost – Daniel has battled severe bone marrow suppression and survived two life-threatening bouts of sepsis.

On February 17, the Kildare dad will undergo major surgery to remove the known cancer sites – however, the goal of surgery is simply to give him more time.

Beyond this, he requires further specialised and aggressive treatment, which could offer him a better chance of keeping the disease at bay.

Hope

There is hope, however. The Cleveland Clinic in the USA is a world leader in treating DSRCT. Doctors there 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 Daniel.

Daniel and his family are now raising funds to cover the overwhelming costs of treatment, including medical care, travel, related expenses and essential diagnostic procedures like DNA sequencing.

Beyond medical expenses, support for the GoFundMe page will also help provide stability for Daniel's family during this incredibly difficult time.

The generosity of supporters will allow Daniel and his family the chance to focus on accessing the best possible care while ensuring the family remains supported and secure throughout this fight.

To date, Daniel has raised an incredible €99,707 out of a GoFundMe target of €211,600.

If you would like to help Daniel and his family, go to https://gofund.me/ccb22108