Megan treatment set to cost €820k

THE COST of treating a 4-year-old Co Cork girl for a rare cancerous brain tumour has been estimated at over €1 million though the final figure is expected to be around €820,000 following negotiations.

Megan Malone, from Kilnamartyra near Macroom, was diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour last October and given just weeks to live by doctors in Ireland.

As a result, Megan and her parents, as well as the couple’s three other children, moved to New York on December 2 last where Megan had chemotherapy treatment at New York’s Presbyterian Children’s Hospital.

The cost is still four times more than what has been collected in Ireland through charity events.

Almost €200,000 has been raised while an anonymous benefactor has offered to cover the cost of her treatment.

The figures were disclosed as the Malone family completed their move from New York to Boston, Massachusetts for the final phase of the brave youngster’s treatment.

Megan is now facing six weeks of proton beam radiotherapy treatment before it is hoped she can return to Ireland.

It has also been confirmed that the HSE has agreed to pay for this radiotherapy and has already sent the money to Massachusetts General Hospital where Megan will undergo the treatment.

Megan’s dad John confirmed: “The final estimated cost of treatment for Megan in New York was $1,150,000 (€792,000) but after a lot of negotiations and discussion between us the hospital and our anonymous donor, this estimate has now be capped at $850,000 (€585,000).

“We are very grateful to this donor for this very generous donation.”

While Megan’s last MRI scan showed no trace of cancer in her brain or spine, a slight shadow was discovered.

Doctors are confident that this is probably scar tissue or dead cancer cells but have recommended that Megan undergoes radiotherapy as a precautionary measure.

Mr Malone confirmed: “The cost estimate for Megan’s treatment in Boston is an additional $340,000 (€234,000) which, again after a lot of discussions with the HSE, has already been wired to the MGH by the HSE.

“As a result, Megan has been accepted for treatment at MGH.

“Proton beam radiation therapy is not available in Ireland and if a treatment is unavailable in Ireland then the HSE has to pay for it abroad.

“I have been in discussions with the HSE about this for the last two months.”

Megan will undergo several tests and evaluations this week and is scheduled to have another MRI scan on July 11 before the treatment begins a week later.

The youngster’s radiotherapy treatment is due to end on August 26 and the Malones are confident that they will be able to return to Ireland soon afterwards and in time for Megan to start play school.

The Malone’s two school-going children, Chloe, 7, and Dylan, 5, finished school in New York last week in time for the big move to Boston.