Fundraiser for Irish toddler Zoe’s 'aggressive cancer' treatment surpasses huge milestone

A GoFundMe campaign to support life-saving treatment for two-year-old Zoe, who is battling “extremely aggressive” cancer, has reached over €300,000.

Zoe Mills from Donabate, Dublin was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, in July 2023. Since then she has undergone intensive chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and countless blood transfusions and procedures. 

Although she has responded well to treatment, Zoe’s family is raising funds for a maintenance therapy available only in the United States, which aims to prevent the cancer from returning. 

The treatment is essential due to the high relapse rate associated with Neuroblastoma.

A number of high-profile Irish personalities including Irish soccer star Katie McCabe and Jessica O’Mahony, wife of Ireland and Munster rugby star Peter, have thrown their support behind the campaign to date.

Last week, Zoe’s dad David announced a fundraising milestone, thanking the public for their generosity. “We are over €300,000! Thank you all so much for getting Zoe this far. The donations are still coming and we’re so grateful. That colossal target is getting closer and closer,” David said.

David also praised the Hope for Zoe fundraising team for their hard work and encouraged further support for upcoming events, including the popular Golf Classic for Zoe. He noted the continued efforts of those who have purchased tickets, donated prizes, or helped in any way, saying, “Nothing is going unnoticed, and we are so grateful.”

The family hopes that with continued fundraising Zoe will be able to travel to the US for the necessary therapy, which could significantly improve her long-term prognosis. Zoe is currently finishing her final weeks of treatment in Crumlin Children's Hospital, and the family remains hopeful for her recovery and transition to the next phase of care.

The campaign has seen widespread support and donations can still be made through the Hope for Zoe GoFundMe page.