A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a six-year-old Co Waterford boy with a rare form of cancer access a vaccine trial in the US.
Danny Norris from Ballymacarbry was diagnosed with a Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma in July 2020.
Since then, his life and that of his parents and two older brothers (aged 8 and 10) has changed dramatically with a typical day involving blood pressure checks, medication, injections, blood tests and transfusions.
Danny, son to Lisa and Lar, has received extensive treatment here in Ireland including 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and 23 rounds of radiotherapy.
He is currently in the last phase of his frontline treatment plan in Crumlin but his condition has a 60% relapse rate and his family are anxious to give him every chance to remain in remission.
Lisa, Danny's mam, spoke to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today this morning (Friday).
She has set up a GoFundMe campaign for Danny to try and raise the 400,000 needed for him to access a Bivalent Vaccine trial in Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital in New York which could reduce the chances of the cancer returning.
The cutting-edge treatment is not available in Ireland.
Since the GoFundMe launched on Sunday night last, close to 100,000 has been donated - but the Ballymacarbry family know they've still a long way to go.
"As parents, we couldn't be prouder of Danny and his two big brothers Charlie, aged 10, and Shay, aged 8," said Lisa.
"The periods of prolonged and unexpected separation (when Danny was in hospital in Crumlin) have been particularly difficult for all three boys and the high levels of uncertainty they now face on a daily basis has been quite an adjustment for them all."
"Danny shows unbelievable courage and strength of character every day. To us, he really is a little star."
*Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe for Danny can do so by searching for 'dream for danny' on GoFundMe or clicking here.
