Naas 'Sip & Shop' fundraiser is great success for family

A BOUTIQUE in Naas became fundraising central in an effort to get the proprietor’s husband the vital treatment he needs, and the evening has put the total raised at over €40,000 — twice the original target, and less than €10,000 short of what is needed.

Linda Goucher (38) is the owner of House of Logo on South Main Street and last February her husband David (51) was diagnosed with stage IV oesophageal cancer, which has spread to his liver and lungs.

Despite enduring 12 exhausting rounds of chemotherapy, his cancer has started to spread again.

After researching other options, the Gouchers found a promising treatment called Cell Immunotherapy at Innovita Life in Dublin, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. However, this treatment is not covered by mainstream healthcare and needs to be paid for privately — something they never imagined facing.

This prompted Linda to set up a GoFundMe page, with an original target of €20,000, which was then pushed out to €50,000 last month to cover the full cost of the treatment. It has already received one astonishing anonymous donation of €5,000.

"In February our world was turned upside down when David was diagnosed,” said Linda, whose boutique is only open 18 months.

“David had to close his business (fashion wholesaler) and I’m now his full-time carer while raising our boys. This treatment offers hope—hope that David can see Calvin celebrate his 8th birthday next May, hope that our boys get to grow up with their dad by their side.

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible generosity and support, and because of the money donated, we are now able to pay for Dave to receive NK cell treatment and dendritic cell therapy, which gives him more time with us."

At present, David is back in hospital with Linda by his side, while the Boutique is now being run by their three part-time staff.

“We’re trying our best to hold the fort, but it is tough, it is hard,” said House of Logo staff member Patricia O’Connor-Peschke.

“Last Friday was a great night, and the money raised will put us over the €40,000.

“At one stage we had seven people waiting on the fitting room!” she laughed.

Patricia added: "Then we had other people who couldn’t come on the night who said they’d add to the GoFundMe page."