22-04-2025
Fundraiser for Galway baby with rare life-threatening condition raises over €30,000 within hours
Rían Ó Márta was born in October 2024 and has been forced to spend over 150 days in Crumlin Children's Hospital in Dublin, battling a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).
The condition causes the baby's abdominal organs to move into the chest, preventing the lungs from developing properly and causing breathing difficulties and further complications after birth.
Launched on April 22, the fundraiser has already raised over €30,000 to support Rían's parents, Siobhán and Joe, and ease the financial strain as they balance staying in Dublin with caring for their three-year old daughter in Galway.
According to the GoFundMe page, the condition was first discovered during a 20-week scan, with Rían given a 'low chance of survival without intervention'. His parents travelled to Belgium to undergo a specialised in-utero procedure, which ultimately proved to be a success.
Now, with a fighting chance at survival, something once described as 'almost impossible', Rían's journey to full health is 'far from over' as he continues to face challenges related to his condition.
In a message on the donation page, the fundraising organisers, Micheal Ó Dubháin and Barbara Kilmartin explain the purpose of the vital funds for Rían's family.
'While staying in Dublin to be close to their baby boy, Siobhán and Joe have also had to manage being apart from their three-year-old daughter, Saoirse, who is being lovingly cared for by family back home in Galway.
'This long and emotional road has brought with it a huge financial strain - including travel, accommodation, time off work, and daily living costs. We are asking for your help to ease that burden, so Siobhán and Joe can focus fully on what matters most: being there for Rían as he continues to fight.
'Every donation, no matter how small, will make a real difference to this family. Please consider supporting them if you can and help spread the word by sharing this campaign.'
You can donate via the 'Help Baby Rían Ó Márta Fight CDH' GoFundMe page or by clicking here.
