Dermot Bannon, the renowned TV presenter and architect; Lilly Higgins, the accomplished chef and author; and Jennifer Wrynne, the internationally well known milliner, style icon, and fashion blogger; are helping raise awareness of the work of The Gavin Glynn Foundation. These well known personalities will use their platform to share stories from families supported by The Gavin Glynn Foundation, sharing the important role the foundation plays in supporting children to get the best cancer treatment possible, anywhere in the world.
Worldwide Childhood Cancer Awareness month, observed in September, is an opportunity to raise awareness about childhood cancer and show support for those enduring its challenges. This support is needed now more than ever as, according to the most recent figures, an average of 369 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year. Cancer incidence rates have increased by 1.3% per year in 0-15 year olds, and 1.1% per year in 16–24 year olds, since 1996.
The Gavin Glynn Foundation was established by the Glynn family in the memory of their beloved son, Gavin, who tragically lost his battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer, at the tender age of four and a half. Gavin’s journey was marked by the need to travel overseas to secure the treatment he needed. In the face of their loss, the Glynn family chose to turn their grief into a powerful force for good. They founded The Gavin Glynn Foundation to ensure that other families wouldn’t face the same hardships they endured.
The foundation’s primary mission is to assist families when their children require cancer treatment overseas for specialist cancer treatment that is not available in Ireland. Managing all the logistical and financial challenges of arranging treatment, including flights, accommodations, and living expenses, can be overwhelming for families already grappling with a child’s serious illness. The Gavin Glynn Foundation steps in to alleviate this burden, allowing families to focus on their child’s well-being.
Dermot Bannon, talking about the foundation, “The big thing you worry about as a parent or guardian is that your child might get sick, and they do, and it’s the worst. Then if your child is seriously ill, you’re not going to have the energy to look after the child and also research and arrange treatment in another country, book the flights, accommodation, not to mention the cost, so to have The Gavin Glynn foundation available to come in and take the bulk of that off your plate is just invaluable.”
The work of The Gavin Glynn Foundation has been instrumental in supporting over 220 families to date, enabling them to access life-saving treatment in different parts of the world. This support offers children and teenagers battling cancer the best fighting chance, regardless of geographic boundaries. To support The Gavin Glynn Foundation, make a donation at tggf.ie. For more information on their work follow The Gavin Glynn Foundation on social media to hear news and events from the foundation.
