The family of a Donegal teenager currently battling life-threatening cancer has turned to the public to help them find accommodation in Dublin.
Rocco McGinley, 15, from Buncrana was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2021 after experiencing headaches, unsteady gait and slurred speech. The youngster travelled to Texas with his family in February for treatment and an MRI taken during the summer showed his tumour had decreased in size from 9cm to 1.9cm.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worst last month and Rocco is now starting another round of radiation therapy this Monday, October 3 in St Luke’s Hospital for two weeks. Unfortunately his family have been unable to find any suitable accommodation for themselves and Rocco while he completes treatment in Dublin and have turned to the public for help.
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Speaking to Dublin Live, Rocco's older cousin Amy said that strangers have been "absolutely amazing" to the family since his diagnosis. "There are so many kind and generous people, businesses and charities in this country that have rallied together to raise enough funds in order to get Rocco to America to receive his treatment and also offer all different types of help and assistance in order to make life easier for Rocco and his family," she said.
"We had a lovely couple, originally from Rathmullan, Donegal, who welcomed us into their home when we went to Texas in February. Another amazing woman gave up her apartment for us in New York City for a few days."
Amy said the family have been met with similar kindness in their search for accommodation in Dublin but they unfortunately have not found anything suitable yet. "We have had people offering to welcome Rocco's family into their homes and others offering to move out of their homes so we could move in and being more than willing to give up their houses for free to allow us to move in for the two weeks.
"The only issue we have with all these lovely offers is that we are looking for something suitable for Rocco's current needs. We need somewhere that has a downstairs bedroom and shower room and is as wheelchair accessible as possible.
"We’re also looking for somewhere that will sleep around eight people which will include Rocco, his parents, four siblings and also another family member to help out with the smaller kids when Rocco's at the hospital for treatment."
Amy said that the McGinley family would like to say a massive thank you to everyone that has donated to and supported Rocco's cause so far. If you think you can help Rocco's family, then you can get in contact with them here.
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