Meath Mum Shares Update After Rare Cancer Surgery in New York

A Meath mother of three has been granted permission to return home to Ireland following life-saving brain surgery in New York for a rare and aggressive form of cancer, after raising over €850,000 through public fundraising to cover medical and travel costs.

Sharon Ball, a 38-year-old primary school teacher from Bohermeen near Kells in County Meath, underwent the procedure last week to treat Stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma, an extremely rare cancer diagnosis she received in October 2025. Prior to surgery, she had completed several rounds of chemotherapy that were unsuccessful in halting the disease’s progression.

The operation in New York resulted in the removal of 97% of the tumour, according to updates shared by Sharon on her Go Fund Me page and confirmed through multiple Irish media reports. Following the surgery, she received medical clearance to fly home later in the week while awaiting the next phase of her treatment plan, which is expected to include proton radiation and further chemotherapy.

Sharon had launched the fundraising campaign to cover the substantial costs associated with travelling to New York for specialised care not available in Ireland. The campaign surpassed its initial target of €650,000, ultimately securing €851,000 in donations from individuals across Ireland and beyond, reflecting widespread public support for her cause.

In her update, Sharon expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of assistance, describing herself as “lost for words” in response to the prayers, messages, and fundraising efforts she has received. She said she could “feel the prayers every day helping me to recover and heal” and emphasized that the support had given her hope and a second chance at life.

“I owe this second chance at life to you all,” Sharon stated in her social media post. “I get to come home to hug and kiss my beautiful resilient children again. You have given me hope, always remember nothing is impossible.”

Sharon is the mother of three young children: Jack, aged six; Louis, aged four; and Sophie, who is nine months old. Her story has drawn attention not only for the medical rarity of her condition but also for the community-driven financial effort that enabled her access to treatment abroad.

The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by patients seeking specialised treatments unavailable domestically and the role of crowdfunding in bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly for rare diseases requiring international medical intervention.