Fundraiser to raise €55,000 for stem cell treatment for two year old Dublin girl

EVE is a little girl with a BIG DREAM… to walk! 

A joyful two-year-old from Walkinstown, Eve McDermott received a serious brain injury at just 9 weeks old, when she developed a life-threatening viral infection in her brain tissues, causing catastrophic damage, resulting in a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy. 

Two years later, Eve (pictured above) is an amazing kid – full of chats and laughter, she lights up any room – but when most toddlers are exploring their world independently, Eve hasn’t yet taken her first steps.

Eve’s parents, Dan and Sarah, and their friends and family, have set up Eve’s Dream to Walk to fundraise €55,000 to help this Dublin two year old take her first steps towards her future.

To help EVE’S DREAM TO WALK, the amazing team at Retro Drive-In Movies are hosting a very special screening of the  CHRISTMAS CLASSIC: ELF at 3pm Sunday 22nd December at Leopardstown Racecourse. 

Suitable for all the family, and the perfect start to Christmas week, tickets are on sale NOW, with all proceeds going to ‘Eve’s Dream To Walk’ fund: retrodrivein.ie/eve 

Eve was born a perfectly healthy bundle of joy and her future was bright. At 9 weeks old her life was changed forever.

After a life-threatening viral infection caused catastrophic brain injury, Eve spent weeks on life support in the paediatric intensive care unit in Crumlin Hospital.

She underwent surgery to place a tube to deliver medication directly into her heart, and received a grueling schedule of round-the-clock antibiotics and antivirals.

After 5 weeks, her condition eventually improved enough to be discharged from hospital, but the end to that nightmare chapter saw the beginning of a new challenge; to help her to walk. 

Early in 2025, Eve will travel to the Netherlands for Stem Cell treatment, followed by intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Dublin and London. 

This treatment offers hope by regenerating the injured parts of her brain and it could change Eve’s life forever – helping her gain the strength and mobility she needs to take her first steps. 

Eve’s Stem Cell treatment will be most effective before the age of 3.

The goal is to raise the funds to start her treatment in January, and her family hopes that through Eve’s Dream to Walk, they can raise €55,000. 

Please help Eve’s Dream come true this Christmas!