Over €55k raised in under 24 hours for Mayo man battling cancer

Over €55,000 has been raised in under 24 hours for a Knockmore man battling cancer.

Mícheál Butler was diagnosed with Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare form of cancer early this year.

A GoFundMe page was set up yesterday with an aim to raise money for potential clinical trials, as well as to ease the financial strain and provide some relief to his wife, Síle, and daughters Leah (6) and Ciara (4) during this challenging time.

Due to the form of cancer being so rare, the road to a diagnosis had many obstacles, however, following a prolonged period of uncertainty and illness since, the father of two finally received a diagnosis in January.

With no definitive treatment plan in sight, the journey has been trial and error. 

Despite current challenges, Mícheál has remained resilient in his fight at University Hospital Galway, supported tirelessly by his devoted wife and family.

The GoFundMe page explained that amidst the uncertainty, Síle, Mícheál and their family are ‘determined to explore every avenue for potential relief’.

“Once Mícheál conquers this phase of his illness, with clinical trials emerging as a promising option (in the UK or Germany), the family focus is towards securing a spot in these trials to give Mícheál the best chance at overcoming this illness.

“With the strength of our collective prayers and contributions, we stand united in rallying behind Mícheál's recovery, for the sake of Síle, his young daughters, his loving family and many friends. Your generosity and solidarity have already made a profound impact, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued help and support. 

“Together, we remain united with positive attitudes to see Micheál through this challenging journey, bolstered by the outpouring of love and support from all corners,” wrote the organisers.

To read more on Mícheál’s story and to donate, see the GoFundMe page.