Urgent Plea for Baby Éabha’s Life-Saving Transplant

UPDATE: The Duggan family from Mayo is making an urgent public appeal for financial support as their 12-month-old daughter, Éabha, prepares for a critical bone marrow transplant in Utrecht, Netherlands within weeks. This heartbreaking plea follows the tragic loss of their beloved three-year-old daughter, Saoirse, to the same rare genetic condition just weeks ago.

Éabha Duggan, born on June 24, 2024, is diagnosed with a severe genetic disorder requiring a bone marrow transplant—an option not available in Ireland. The family’s only hope lies in traveling to the Prinses Máxima Centrum, a leading children’s hospital in the Netherlands.

For parents Tommy, from Bekan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, and Martina Duggan, originally from Eyrecourt, Co. Galway, this marks an unimaginable second journey through profound grief. Their eldest daughter, Saoirse, faced her own battle with leukemia after being diagnosed in late 2023. Despite undergoing a bone marrow transplant in February 2024, the disease returned, and she passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

“We are heartbroken to face such loss and now fight for another child’s life,” said Éabha’s aunt, who has launched a fundraising campaign with the family’s consent. While the Health Service Executive (HSE) covers medical costs for Éabha’s transplant, the family faces overwhelming expenses related to travel and accommodation in the Netherlands.

Time is of the essence for Éabha. The “Together for Éabha” GoFundMe campaign has been established in response to the many friends, neighbors, and kind-hearted individuals who have reached out to help. This initiative aims to relieve the financial burden, allowing Tommy and Martina to focus solely on their daughter’s treatment and recovery.

All donations will directly support Éabha’s medical care and associated costs. The family encourages anyone who can contribute to visit their GoFundMe page to make a difference during this critical time.

As the Duggans navigate this challenging chapter, the community’s support is crucial. Every donation counts and could provide the lifeline Éabha needs to overcome this devastating condition.

Stay tuned for updates on Éabha’s journey and how you can help.