A father is determined to "grow old and experience what life has to offer" after a devastating medical diagnosis turned his world upside down.
Gavin Cooper, 47, from Ireland, is now in a fierce fight for survival. Initially diagnosed with lung sarcoidosis in 2016, he wrestled with the disease for four years before it went into remission. But following his Covid-19 vaccination in 2021, doctors discovered a seven-centimetre tumour in his liver, a complex growth intertwined with his portal vein.
The tumour has caused Gavin serious health problems, including portal hypertension, ascites, issues with his gallbladder, an enlarged spleen, and a swollen vascular system. In August, Dublin's top specialists informed him that he needed both a liver transplant and portal vein reconstruction, as a GoFundMe was set up to support him and his loved ones.
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Yet, they revealed that no surgeon in Ireland is equipped to perform this highly specialised operation, according to reports from the Irish Mirror. Doctors have warned that without the crucial surgery, Gavin's time could be limited to just five years. Amidst this grim prognosis, he has commended the medical staff for their dedication and for reaching out to international experts for help.
Faced with sky-high medical bills, Gavin has kickstarted a fundraiser, pleading for assistance to handle the "astronomical" expenses and to ensure he can "grow old and experience what life has to offer" alongside his beloved wife and kin.
Speaking about his plight, Gavid said: "I'm a husband to my wonderful wife Eileen and a father to three beautiful children that I want to see grow up, get married and have children of their own. I want to grow old and experience what life has to offer with my family but my illness has been so hard on me, as well as my family."
He went on to describe the toll his health has taken: "Since January, I have been unable to work, and my wife is working two jobs to try and make ends meet. Being in this situation is so painful, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I have worked hard my entire life and never once looked for help, but now I realise that sometimes we all need help."
In a show of support for Gavin and his loved ones, a GoFundMe page is in place, currently amassing €6,061 of its bold €150,000 target.
