Community rallies around after Dungannon father’s cancer diagnosis

A FATHER-of-six from Dungannon who last week was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer needs to raise £53,000 to travel to Mexico for treatment that could potentially save his life.

Ryan Hearne (37) was admitted to hospital early last week with suspected Covid-19. But medical investigations discovered that his breathing difficulties were a symptom of advanced lung cancer – the same lung cancer that killed his mother, Marie, six years ago.

When WeAreTyrone spoke with Ryan’s sister, Marissa McCann, she explained that, while the news has come as a terrible shock, the “staggeringly generous” donations of over £20,000 which they have received in the last week have given the family real hope.

“This has all happened so quickly,” began Marissa.

“Ryan went into hospital at the beginning of last week believing he had a collapsed lung from Covid; two days later they thought he had tuberculosis; on Thursday they discovered he had lung cancer; and on Friday it was diagnosed as stage four.”

The terrible whirlwind temporarily swept the family off their feet, but Ryan’s sister, Marie, quickly gathered herself and set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to save her brother.

“Marie set up the GoFundMe page and within one day we had £10,000,” said Marissa. “That was incredible.”

Over £20,000 has now been raised, but around another £30,000 has to be found if Ryan is to make it to the Hope4Cancer Centre in Tijuana, Mexico.

“Hope4Cancer holds Ryan’s best chance, and frankly, maybe his only chance,” said Marissa.

“At the moment, Ryan is in a state of devastation and shock – he just starts crying every time he thinks of leaving everyone behind, especially his kids.”

Marissa explained how strong the prospect of effective treatment is in Mexico, and how Ryan’s children now depend on public generosity to save their father.

“There have been a few local people who went to Hope4Cancer with bleak diagnoses, but who are now back home and doing really well,” said Marissa.

“We are doing everything we can for Ryan, but if his kids are to keep their daddy, it’s going to be the generosity of local people that make it happen.”

l You can find Ryan’s GoFundMe page by visiting: www.gofundme.com/live-saving-treatment-forryan?utm_campaign