GoFundMe launched by Leitrim woman for lifelong friend reaches over €100k in just four days

Aoife McCormack, living in Carrick-on-Shannon, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her lifelong friend Barbara, recently diagnosed with glioblastoma, an extremely aggressive form of brain cancer. Aoife and Barbara have been friends for 40 years.

“If you know Barbara, you know she’s pure joy – positive, determined, and always with the biggest laugh in the room. She’s the first on the dance floor and the one with a door open to anyone who needs it,” said Aoife.

“A 52-year-old mother of three teenagers and a successful marketing manager whose career spans decades and continents, Barbara meets every challenge with her trademark buoyancy and grit.”

Aoife and Barbara met in primary school in Leixlip, Co Kildare, moved on together to Coláiste Chiaráin, and later chose the same degree, International Marketing and Japanese, at Dublin City University, spending their third year together living in Japan. 

Thirty years later, their original friend group remains as strong as ever, celebrating milestone birthdays with trips in recent years to Italy and Amsterdam, and supporting one another through life’s ups and downs.

Earlier this summer, sudden debilitating headaches brought Barbara to Blackrock Clinic A&E, where a tumour was discovered. She was hospitalised at Beaumont Hospital and received the devastating diagnosis of glioblastoma. 

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Since then, she has received excellent care at St Luke’s and Beaumont, undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and treatment for clots in her lungs.

Explaining why they are fundraising, Aoife said, “Barbara now needs access to complementary therapies abroad that can enhance the impact of chemotherapy and improve her quality of life, including a hyperthermic treatment programme in the UK and a dendritic cell vaccine in Germany, along with associated travel and care costs.” 

These treatments are not currently available in Ireland and are not covered by either the public health system or private insurance, making significant funding necessary.

“When the fundraising target for Barbara’s care is reached, we will continue to raise funds, with all excess donations going directly to Brain Tumour Ireland to support vital research into this devastating cancer,” Aoife added.

In just four days, the GoFundMe surpassed €100,000, making it one of the most successful Irish campaigns ever delivered, a testament to the incredible person Barbara is. 

Friends from every chapter of her life, and friends of friends around the world, have rallied to support her. Barbara and her husband Brian are completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity pouring in.

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“The emotional support and positivity flowing from this campaign is carrying Barbara, Brian and their family through the toughest days. I’m seeing friends of friends—people who’ve been part of their lives for seemingly only minutes—show up with open hearts,” said Aoife.

“It’s beyond our expectations, but if you’ve ever had the joy of meeting Barbara, it’s little surprise. She brings out the best in people, and now that kindness is being returned a hundredfold. 

“As someone who holds her dear, I thank everyone who has donated to our campaign, shared a kind word, or held Barbara in their thoughts. Your support means everything. If you can, please donate or share the campaign, every gesture helps. Thank you.”

Donations to Aoife’s fundraiser for her lifelong friend Barbara can be made online by clicking here or by scanning the QR code below.