'She's a warrior' - GAA star losing sight and mobility due to rare disease
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A young woman’s sight and mobility is slowly deteriorating due to a devasting illness as family plea for help to find cure
A GoFundMe created by a Cork family has gained massive attention nationwide, raising over €55,000 in less than a week.
The fundraiser was created for a young woman who is suffering from an incurable disease after being diagnosed at 24-years-old.
Eimear McAndrew was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 (SCA7) in 2024.
The disease mainly affects vision and leads to poor motor control, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.
The GoFundMe said that for Eimear, her symptoms started with slight changes in vision and subtle shifts in balance.
This “soon became a journey through one of the most devastating genetic conditions known to medicine”.
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Eimear has since lost a lot of her eyesight and her movement is deteriorating, according to the GoFundMe created recently.
Eimear currently works for the Bank of England in London as an Apprentice Actuary.
Despite her serious challenges Eimear is persevering with her studies and is determined to complete her exams.
“Anyone who knows Eimear knows she is a warrior and she is fighting hard. Eimear’s story is one of unwavering resilience.
“Growing up in Ireland, her life was defined by a love of sport at which she excelled, representing her County in Camogie and Football, winning All Ireland medals in Football and one in Soccer,” the GoFundMe said.
As well as a talent for sport, Eimear also had a passion for music. She learned how to play the violin and flute.
“Her life, her dreams, her plans for a future all destroyed by the diagnosis,” the GoFundMe said.
The fundraiser is collecting money for SCA7 research and treatment development.
This work has been started in Leiden University, Holland in collaboration with Cure Rare Diseases, but urgently needs funding
The GoFundMe has accumulated a whopping €55,694 so far in just six days.
Its goal is €180,000. For those who would like to donate, you can find the GoFundMe here.