AN IRISH family have made an emotional appeal on US TV in a bid to raise €1million for a life-saving operation for their young son who is unlikely to live beyond Christmas.
Four-year-old Cian McDonnell-Lynch from Carlanstown in Co. Meath suffers from a rare disorder that affects one child in a million and doctors in Boston - where his parents are seeking him urgent treatment - have said that his condition is "progressing quickly".
He went blind in 2011 when he was just a year old and was later diagnosed with Revesz Syndrome – a severe form of bone marrow disease.
He is believed to be the only child in Ireland suffering from the condition.
Then, in January, Cian was dealt another blow when he was diagnosed with a malformation in his lungs, which means he has only months to live unless he gets a double lung transplant.
Cian’s parents Lisa and Dónal and older sister Chloe appeared in a heart-felt segment on CBS Boston on Thursday to raise awareness about his condition and further their appeal for funding.
"We were told today that it's actually progressing very quick so we're just really really hoping that he'll be accepted onto the transplant list here," Lisa told the reporter.
On Tuesday, Cian's parents launched a campaign to raise funds for their son’s “do or die” treatment.
The family are now seeking urgent treatment for Cian in Boston after doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital said he was not suitable for a double lung transplant in Britain.
Experts at Boston Children’s Hospital will today conclude a five-day assessment of his condition that will establish whether he is suitable for treatment.
“This is a do or die situation. If this operation is not carried out, he is unlikely to live beyond Christmas,” said Mandy Shipp from the fundraising committee Hope for Cian.
The cost of Cian’s treatment is likely to be just under €1m but the after-care treatment could be double that fee.
Generous donors have raised €240,000 so far.
You can donate to Cian’s treatment here.
