In a remarkable show of community support and generosity, an Offaly couple has managed to raise over €200,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to fund life-saving surgery for their two-year-old son, Joey Conway, who has been diagnosed with a devastating liver disorder.
Joey’s journey has been marked by immense challenges in his young life. Shortly after his birth, he faced an invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) infection that left him on a ventilator for two weeks in the ICU at Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Additionally, he has battled sepsis twice, the first instance occurring when he was just eight months old, requiring urgent medical attention and numerous tests.
Natalie, Joey’s mother, reflected on the difficult moments, saying, “Those moments are not easy; you would swap places with him in a heartbeat. The cries and the whimpering when he was handed back to me are moments I will never forget.”
Currently, Joey is diagnosed with Portal Vein Thrombosis (PVT), leading to a rare and severe liver condition called Non-Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension. This condition comes with life-threatening symptoms, and the risk of death on the first episode of bleeding is a staggering 40 per cent.
Joey must undergo surgery up to four times a year to band varies in his oesophagus, preventing them from bleeding. This treatment is the only option available in Ireland.
However, there is hope on the horizon. In the United States, a procedure exists that could bypass the obstruction and restore normal portal flow to Joey’s liver, offering him the chance to lead a healthier life.
To make this hope a reality, Joey’s parents have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the €330,000 cost of the life-saving surgery. The response from the community has been overwhelming, with just over €200,000 raised so far.
Natalie spoke lovingly about her son, saying, “Joey is the funniest two-year-old boy with the biggest smile and the most contagious laugh that would brighten up the darkest day. He has been through so much in his short life and is the bravest little man who is loved so dearly by his big sister Molly and little brother Jordi.”
The family’s daily life is marked by constant vigilance, fearing potential complications. Natalie shared, “As parents, we feel like we are constantly putting out fires instead of quenching them, and especially this time of year, with every bug going, it’s difficult.”
The family remains hopeful that, with the continued support of their community, they can provide Joey with the life-saving surgery he desperately needs and give him a brighter future.
