Almost €150k raised for 'shattered' Irish family as donations flood in for son's treatment

An Irish family is facing unimaginable heartbreak as they launch an emotional appeal to support their four-year-old son who has been diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood disorder.

Zach McCrossan, the youngest son of Letterkenny native Gary McCrossan and St Johnston woman Patrice Rodgers, has been diagnosed with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare condition that can rapidly progress into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

The diagnosis comes just months after Zach’s mother, 34-year-old Patrice, was diagnosed with AML herself. She spent six months undergoing treatment at Galway University Hospital before being transferred to St James’ Hospital in Dublin for a bone marrow transplant.

Unfortunately, that transplant has not gone as hoped, and Patrice now relies on ongoing chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) to manage her condition.

In an emotional message shared on a GoFundMe page, Gary wrote: “We never imagined we’d be in this position, but we’re reaching out for help as our family faces the unthinkable — not once, but twice.

“We are absolutely shattered… Zach urgently needs a bone marrow transplant, which unfortunately cannot be done in Ireland.”

Zach has now been referred to the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, Netherlands. He is expected to remain there as an inpatient for at least three months while undergoing the vital transplant.

“Patrice will need to travel back and forth for her own life-saving treatment, while also trying to be there for Zach, and for our other children: Casey, Hollie, and baby Tillie,” Gary explained.

The family is still reeling from the recent loss of Patrice’s aunt Jacqueline (Jack) Devenney - Zach’s godmother - who passed away from the same illness just weeks ago.

Since sharing their story online, support has poured in from across the country. Over €147,000 has been raised via GoFundMe, far surpassing the initial €3,500 target.

However, with international treatment, long-term stays abroad, and a young family to care for, the McCrossans are still facing huge financial strain.

“We’re asking, with all the humility in our hearts, for any help you can offer. Donations will go towards travel, accommodation, and basic living costs while we are in the Netherlands, trying to keep our family together and support Zach through this critical treatment,” Gary said.

“Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to being by Zach’s side — and holding our family together during this heartbreaking time.”

To support Zach and his family, visit the GoFundMe campaign by clicking here.

READ MORE | Amazing! Over €28,000 raised by GoFundMe for baby Oscar battling rare illness