Robyn begins critical treatment in US

A LITTLE girl from Whitehall who suffers from a rare form of cancer flew out to America last week where she’s now undergoing treatment that could save her life.

Robyn Smyth (9) has tugged at the heartstrings of thousands of Northsiders and she’s now a familiar face across the entire city thanks to dozens of fundraising events held to help raise money needed for her expensive specialist treatment.

Robyn was diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer aged just three but fought the illness and was able to enjoy life to the full after entering remission in 2009.

However, the cancer struck again earlier this year and her family have been desperately trying to raise money to pay for Robyn’s treatment ever since.

Her heartbreaking story has inspired celebrities like Keith Duffy to support the cause and superstar singer Rihanna even donated a signed guitar for a raffle to help pay for the treatment, which could cost up to

?¬500,000.

Last Friday brave Robyn quietly flew out from Dublin Airport to Boston and then on to Philadelphia where she was due to be examined immediately at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) following a worrying new development in her condition.

Robyn was due to start treatment on November 18 but a lump found on the youngster’s head last Thursday meant she was admitted as soon as she arrived in Philadelphia.

The hospital specialises in cancer relapses and Robyn’s mother, Bernadette, sent over her daughter’s medical records two weeks ago to allow doctors prepare a course of treatment.

However, doctors at the CHOP told Robyn’s family she was to be taken to the hospital immediately she arrived in the city so they could examine the lump to determine if it’s a new tumour.

“Two weeks ago they told us they’d take her in and the flights were booked on Monday,

? Robyn’s aunt Cathy Dornan told Northside People.

“She’s going straight into hospital because of the lump.

“When we found the lump we contacted the hospital and they told us they’d take her in straight away.

“We just don’t know what the lump is. It could be another tumour.

“She flew on Friday morning but Robyn didn’t want a big fuss. She wasn’t feeling too well before the flight and had a high temperature and headaches.

?

Prior to last week’s setback, Robyn had been in good health and was able to lead a normal life. During the summer she made her First Holy Communion and had enjoyed a special birthday party.

“There hadn’t been a bother on her at all recently,

? Cathy said.

“You wouldn’t think she was sick at all. She doesn’t look sick on the outside, but she’s very sick on the inside.

?

Robyn has a tumour on her jaw and specialists will first need to determine if it’s the same cancer she had before or something new. She will undergo a series of tests, including MIBG scans used to determine if neuroendocrine tumours can accumulate an agent similar to adrenaline that helps doctors locate and treat them.

Meanwhile her family and supporters are continuing with the incredible fundraising efforts. There have been numerous sponsored head shaves, haircuts and sporting events as well as bucket collections at shopping centres and outside big events.

So far

?¬318,000 has been raised but

?¬264,000 of that was needed just to start the treatment now underway in Philadelphia. More events are planned over the coming weeks to help boost the fund as it’s impossible to know exactly how much more will be needed to continue Robyn’s treatment and pay for any medicines or anti-biotics needed.

Collections will be held at Omni Park Shopping Centre during December and outside the Aviva Stadium on November 16 when Ireland take on Australia in a rugby international.

A new year’s eve charity ball is also taking place at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport, with all proceeds raised going to Robyn’s Life Trust. Tickets for the event cost

?¬70 and the price includes champagne on arrival, a three course meal, entertainment and excellent raffle prizes. Tickets can be bought from Helen Fitzgerald on 086-2033522.

The winner of the signed Rihanna guitar will also be announced on the night. Details on how to get tickets for the prize are also available from Helen Fitzgerald on 086-2033522.

Donations can be made through the Robyn’s Life Trust website at robynslife.com or by money transfer to AIB account number 21417099, sort code 93-23-53 using the reference Robyn’s Life.