Over €220,000 has so far been raised towards the medical expenses of a young Roscommon town boy who was diagnosed with a high-risk Neuroblastoma in September 2021.
Brave Joseph Belton (9), a son of Michael and Aoife Belton and a third class student in St. Coman’s Wood Primary School, has been accepted on a clinical trial for a vaccine in the world renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York and a Gofundme page ‘Joseph’s Journey’ has been set up to assist his family with medical expenses.
At the time of writing, €227,109 had been raised for Joseph, who has so far endured grueling treatment which has included surgery, six months of chemotherapy and 14 rounds of radiotherapy as well as immunotherapy, blood transfusions, and stem cell transplants.
Joseph is expected to complete treatment at Crumlin Children’s Hospital this April and it is then hoped that he will travel to New York to take part in the Bivalent Vaccine clinical trial to prevent his Neuroblastoma from returning.
“As Neuroblastoma unfortunately has a high rate of relapse – and if this should happen prognosis is poor – it is essential that we get to New York to give Joseph the best possible chance of beating cancer for good,” his parents said.
“The cost of this vaccine and everything associated with it is hugely expensive and that’s why we need your help. The timeline between finishing treatment in Crumlin and getting his vaccine is short so we need to act quickly.
“Please donate to Joseph’s fund to ensure he gets the best chance at life. We appreciate the kindness and generosity of you all”.
To donate, visit ‘Joseph’s Journey’ at www.gofundme.com.
