'It’s horrible to think that if you don’t have the money, you are just left to die': Wicklow teacher in dire need of surgery overseas

Eímear Byrne with her sister Níamh Byrne, who has started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a life-saving operation for Eímear. File picture 

To first class pupils at Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir, Eímear Byrne is just like many other teachers, dedicated to her work and the children she teaches.

What they are too young to understand is the terrifying reality she faces every day as the community of Arklow battles to save her life. The 30-year-old was recently informed by doctors of three aneurysms that require an extremely complex form of open-heart surgery.

Eímear’s only option left is to avail of the operation in the US, which is priced at €600k. It comes three years after she suffered a severe stroke due to complications during surgery to remove a previous aneurysm.

Remarkably, Eímear, who has suffered with her health since childhood, was able to relearn everyday tasks to make it back to work.

A total of around €83k has been raised for the teacher’s operation through a GoFundMe organised by her sister Níamh, who is appealing for public support.

“I want my sister to be able to go to bed at night without wondering if she’ll wake up in the morning or not," Níamh told the Irish Examiner. 

"This is life and death. If the aneurysms were to rupture, she may not make it out of that alive. The big thing is to try and get the money as quickly as we can so she can still be with us. As blunt and as cold as that sounds, it is the reality.” 

Eímear is determined to stay upbeat.

“The children at school are keeping her going. They are keeping her strong and hopeful. Teaching is her biggest accomplishment in life. It’s what she has always wanted to do, and she loves doing it. Being in a place that she loves and around the children she cares so much about has been really good for Eímear," said Níamh.

The happiness of her pupils remains a priority for Eímear.

“She would protect them to the end. They are too young to realise what is happening, but that’s exactly how she wants it. 

She wants them to be able to come in and be their young and happy selves. The important thing for her is that life continues for the kids as normal.

Níamh criticised the lack of medical support for Eímear in Ireland.

“If Eímear were fortunate enough to be able to get the operation done in the EU, UK or Switzerland, it would all be covered by the Government. She often wonders why there is less value put on her life than the lives of people who can travel to these places. I completely agree with her. She is really starting to feel that now more than ever. 

It’s horrible to think that if you don’t have the money, you are just left to die.

Níamh praised her sister’s unbreakable spirit.

“I don’t know anyone else who could have gone through what she went through and got on with things in the way she always does. 

Eímear and Níamh Byrne. File picture 

"It takes a certain kind of person to deal with something like this. Not only that, but she is also so kind and caring and puts others before herself. Her determination is really strong. Once she has her sights set on something, she will keep going until she succeeds.” 

The family is currently liaising with doctors in the US.

“It's been an extremely anxious and difficult time. Once we give them the green light, they will have her operated on within a matter of days, so that’s their plan. Ideally, they wanted us over back in October, so we're already stretching that out. 

"Eímear is doing okay now, and we're thankful for that, but we also need to get her operated on before these aneurysms rupture, and we're in a totally different kind of emergency case. In the meantime, we’re trying to help Eímear stay as calm and stress-free as possible." 

She extended her gratitude to Eímear’s colleagues and the people of Arklow for their generosity.

“Eímear has so much support in the classroom. The people of Arklow have also been so kind. In a situation like this, you have to remain positive and do everything you can to keep the negativity at bay. We are just so appreciative of everyone who is getting behind us in a way that’s hard to get across in words.” 

Eímear hopes to undergo surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.

 “When Eímear finally has her operation, she’ll be looking forward to spending time with friends and family and all the things that most of us take for granted. As boring as that sounds, she is just craving a normal life.” 

You can donate to Eímear’s GoFundMe here.