Holly loses brave battle with cancer

AFTER a brave battle which lasted half her life, Cork girl Holly O’Keeffe has lost her fight against a rare but lethal form of cancer.

The Tower girl, who was due to celebrate her third birthday on December 6, passed away in the arms of parents Martin and Mary at 9.50pm on Tuesday.

Since December 2008, the girl has bravely battled against a string of tumours in her brain, behind her eyes and cheekbones and on her kidney — the largest the size of a small grapefruit — caused by her neuroblastoma condition.

The illness is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Between 12 and 14 young infants are diagnosed with the rare condition in Ireland every year.

For almost two years, the Cork girl has fought an inspiring battle with the support of specialists at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, Temple Street, St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin, University College Hospital in London and the Mercy University Hospital in Cork city.

The toddler’s fight led to a large number of donations to a website thehollyfund.com and sponsorships, including support from sports stars.

Almost €130,000 has been raised to support Holly’s treatment, her family, and similar services being offered to other children facing the condition.

Holly seemingly overcame the worst case scenario after specialist surgery to remove a tumour in the left side of her brain.

However, Holly relapsed in recent weeks.

“Holly was discharged from Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin six weeks ago after latest scans diagnosed that the cancer had spread down her brain and spinal cord,” read a statement from her grief-stricken parents Martin and Mary.

“We then tenderly cared for her at home with the help of the palliative care team and family doctor.

“She passed away very peacefully in our arms. We, Holly’s brother Ronan, and extended family and friends, are all devastated.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support during Holly’s sickness over the last 18 months. Her happy nature and spirit touched the lives of all who met her. May she play with the angels in heaven,” it read.