Fundraiser for young Irish mum with stage 4 cancer nears target

A fundraiser for a young Irish mum with stage 4 cancer is nearing its €55,000 target. 

Thirty six year old Laura Casserly was diagnosed with Sarcoma-UPS on Easter Sunday 2021 after investigating a lump on her leg when her youngest daughter was just 10 months old. 

That's according to a Go Fund Me fundraiser set up by Laura's friend, which has so far received over 900 donations amounting to €47,272. 

Originally from Leixlip in Co Kildare, Laura now lives in Enfield, Co Meath with her partner Keith and young children, Lily, Kooper and Lottie. 

At the point of diagnosis, Laura and Keith were told her cancer was stage 2B and still treatable. Laura then underwent 5 weeks of radiation, had a resection of her calf to remove the lump, and had to learn to walk again during "grueling" rehabilitation for 12weeks. 

However, in October 2021, Laura had pain in her knee and further tests showed the cancer had returned and spread into her lymph nodes and both of her lungs. 

At this stage, Laura was given the devastating news her cancer was now stage 4 and the treatment plan had gone from curing the cancer to prolonging her life. She was given 6 months of the strongest chemotherapy available and then had an amputation of her right leg on the 29th June 2023. 

In another blow on 8th November 2023, the doctors found a 3cm lymph node lump in the top of Laura's leg.

She was given a chemotherapy pill to take, which has had no effect on the cancer and, unfortunately, on the 26th November Laura was rushed to A&E for emergency chemo as the cancer was progressing rapidly. 

According to the Go Fund Me, Laura's lung tumour has grown from 3cm to 5cm and the doctors have decided more radiation is the best course of action. 

The need for more radiation is especially difficult for Laura as her father - who had been there to support her through every step last time - unfortunately passed away suddenly a few weeks ago. 

A statement on the Go Fund Me page reads, "All donations no matter how small will help ease the huge financial stress of Laura's illness. Keith had to leave full time work to help look after Laura and the children and no one should have to just survive when you are just trying to survive!

"At this stage we are hoping to raise money to make Laura and Keith as comfortable as possible so they can focus on making memories for their beautiful young family for when Laura is no longer there." 

Anyone wishing to help Laura and her family can donate via the fundraiser.