A BRAVE young Donegal boy is undergoing a life-saving bone marrow transplant in the Netherlands today.
Zach McCrossan, a native of St Johnston, was recently diagnosed with a rare blood disorder known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
The syndrome, which affects a person’s bone marrow, progresses into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia if left untreated.
His only chance of survival lies in a bone marrow transplant, which is not available in Ireland.
The devastating health diagnosis came only a year after his mother Patrice was diagnosed with AML.
The mother-of-four, who underwent chemotherapy and a bone transplant for her illness, still receives treatment.
The family have since received a tremendous amount of support from relatives, friends and the local community in the last year and a half.
Zach and his family travelled to the Netherlands last week ahead of his treatment.
And today his grandmother, Kateleen Rodgers posted online asking for support.
She said: “Please pray for my grandson Zach McCrossan today who is having his bone marrow transplant in the Netherlands and for his mammy Patrice as well.”
Zach’s is expected to remain an inpatient at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, Netherlands for at least three months.
Following his awful diagnosis a GoFundMe was set up in April by the family to cover the costs of Zach’s treatment.
FUNDS RAISED
Within 24 hours the campaign raised over €122,500, smashing their target of €3,500.
In response the family posted on social media saying: “Whether you donated, organised a fundraiser, offered a lift, dropped off meals, minded our other children, shared advice, or simply sent a message of encouragement
“We have felt every bit of your love and kindness.
“It’s because of you… our incredible circle of family, friends, neighbours, and strangers with big hearts…
“That we’re able to be by Zach’s side as he begins treatment in the Princess Máxima Center in Utrecht.”
