Over €18,000 raised for Irish mum to get treatment abroad for Stage 4 cancer

Kenneth Fox

Over €18,000 has been raised to support 38-year-old Ciara McGrath, who is fighting stage 4 melanoma while caring for her three children — Ceili, Amelia, and MJ, whom she calls her “whole world.”

Ciara, who previously worked full-time as a carer, has always been known for her kindness and compassion, spending her days looking after others.

Now, after having to stop work due to her illness, she is the one who needs care and support. She is currently undergoing BRAF treatment, which she faces with extraordinary courage and determination.

However, as a public patient, her treatment options are limited. To give her the best possible chance, Ciara will need access to specialised care and therapies abroad, which come with significant financial costs.

The fundraiser, organised by her siblings Gemma (from Dublin), Kevin, and Orla, aims to help cover medical expenses, private treatment and travel, as well as everyday living costs, so Ciara can focus on healing and spending precious time with her children.

Her family describes her as “strong-willed, stubborn in the best way, and determined to face anything life throws at her” — the same qualities that continue to drive her fight against cancer.

The campaign has so far raised over €18,486 of its €150,000 goal. You can find out more about the GoFundMe here.