A young Donaghcloney girl is being hailed for her strength and resilience as she battles a rare and aggressive lymphatic condition in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Four-year-old Grace was described by doctors as a “little puzzle” after falling seriously ill just days after being her usual energetic and fun-loving self.
After weeks of uncertainty, she was diagnosed with a complex lymphatic anomaly — an incurable and poorly understood condition that will affect her for the rest of her life.
Since her admission, Grace has undergone numerous tests, heart surgery and has required intensive support from ventilators and medication.
Her parents, Catherine and Matthew Magowan, have kept constant vigil at her bedside, taking turns to stay with Grace while also caring for their other young child at home.
“This has been a life changing experience and put added financial stress to our situation as we have been unable to work throughout this sickness,” said Matthew through a GoFundMe page set up to help ease the financial pressures.
“More financial stress will be added because of the care and support Grace will need when she returns home,” he added.
“Many patients suffer as due to the rarity of these diseases, doctors don’t always know how best to treat them. At the beginning we were told to prepare for the worst, as she was needing a lot of support from different medications and from the ventilator which was helping her breath.
“From that day, Grace has fought along with the doctors and nurses to save her life, which they are continuing to do. We are forever grateful for the PICU team, and how much care and love they have shown Grace.
“Grace has shown me how much determination and resilience a four-year-old can have, and we watch her everyday with awe and amazement at how she can wake up everyday and try to still make others smile and laugh.”
Matthew continued: “We have been greatly supported by family and friends and cherish the love and support they have given us. This isn’t a position that we have ever wanted to be in, having to ask the wider community for support.
“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read this and who have kindly donated. This means so much to our little family as we come to terms with our new life.”
To support Grace and her family, donations can be made via their GoFundMe page: GoFundMe – Grace’s Family.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has also appealed to the public to rally around the family of Grace.
“It’s hard to put into words just how difficult and yet inspiring Grace’s story is,” said Ms Lockhart.
“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know her parents during these past few months as they’ve faced the unimaginable navigating a diagnosis, fighting for timely treatment, and staying constantly by Grace’s side while caring for their other young child.
“Their love, resilience, and faith through this storm is inspirational. This has been a life-altering experience for them, and like any family in crisis, the emotional toll has also come with a heavy financial burden.
“A GoFundMe has been set up to help ease the pressure from the costs of being out of work to preparing their home for the long-term care Grace will need. I know the people of Donaghcloney, and beyond, will want to help.
“If you are able to give anything at all, or simply share the link, you will be offering real hope and support to this family as they continue this incredibly difficult journey. Every donation, prayer, and act of kindness makes a difference.”
