Over €35,000 raised to help Cork family treat Evie Mae’s medical disorder

Almost €36,000 has been raised to help a Cork family to fund ongoing medical treatment for their five-month-old baby.

Evie Mae McGlynn was diagnosed with a rare blood vessel disorder, vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) in October, following a seizure at less than a month old.

VOGM is a condition where arteries bypass the usual connection to capillaries. This causes a high-pressure rush of blood, impacting the heart, and leading to potential heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and brain damage.

Since October, Evie has undergone several surgeries, and suffered from two strokes, leading to her transfer from Cork University Hospital (CUH) to Crumlin Hospital in Dublin.

Most recently, Evie underwent her fourth surgery last week, and remains in the intensive care unit (ICU) after her lung collapsed.

Speaking to The Echo, Evie’s father Jonathan McGlynn said he and his family are looking to renew their push for donations as their daughter may need to transfer to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in England for further care.

“Evie had her fourth surgery last week and she’s still in the ICU because of a collapsed lung and pneumonia,” said Mr McGlynn. “She’s getting no break really —she will be going back to theatre this week because there’s an issue with her airways.

“She still has a breathing tube in. After the last surgery we haven’t really had a chance to see how she is because she’s been sedated.

“We won’t know if she needs to go to Ormond Street until another CT scan is done, but that can’t be done until the breathing tube is out.

“We feel like we’re back where we started. It’s one complication after another, but hopefully we will find out more soon.”

Mr McGlynn said the people of Cork have rallied behind him and his family, with one local resident organising an event on March 6 at the Beer Garden in Turner’s Cross to help raise further funds.

“We can’t thank people enough; the generosity and support from Cork people has been amazing for us,” said Mr McGlynn.

“One man got in contact with me last week and said he has organised a fundraising night for Evie.

“He has five musicians lined up. There’ll be food, and he’s trying to get spot prizes from local businesses.”

Mr McGlynn additionally shared that Evie’s vision has deteriorated since her last surgery, with any money raised now going towards corrective treatment.

“There is a procedure that can be done in Great Ormond Street, and she’s at that age where something can be done,” he said.

“There is an urgency to do it before she turns nine months old, because once she gets passed that, neuroplasticity is gone.”

To date, over €35,000 has been raised out of the €75,000 target for Evie’s treatment via the GoFundMe page.

For more see eviemae on gofundme.com.