Youghal Cycling Club To Fundraise For Little Zoe’s Cancer Treatment. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL CYCLING CLUB is to undertake a 165km fundraising ride on behalf of an 18 month old little girl with a rare cancer condition. Half twin Zoe Lehane Lavarde, from Mallow, suffers from  Atypicalteratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour AT/RT, an aggressive form of the disease. Her mum Orlaith is a first cousin of Tony Walsh, Tinnock, Youghal, who has organised the cycling event.

Zoe is currently in America, where she is receiving specialist treatment at the Burzynski centre in Houston, Texas.  She, her mum, dad Alex and twin brother Leo travelled to Houston last July, to provide Zoe with a much improved chance of survival.

Zoe’s condition was diagnosed earlier this year when her family noticed she was quieter than normal and also losing balance a little. She soon became very ill and was rushed to CUH. Doctors removed a tumour from her brain but the cancer remained.  The cancer form arises in either in the cerebellum (lower, back part of brain that controls balance) or cerebral cortex and often spreads through the central nervous system. Highly malignant, it is usually diagnosed in childhood.

Orlaith and Alex were told that Zoe’s conventional treatment in Ireland would involve strong chemotherapy and just a 10-30% chance of success. The family began researching options and discovered the pioneering Burzynski centre. They travelled to the city last July for a first assessment, after which Zoe was deemed suitable for treatment. “The doctors are pleased with the progress so far but there is still a long and uncertain road ahead,” says Tony.

As always in the US, the medical treatment, which may take up to 18 months, is extremely expensive and, alongside accommodation costs, could reach up to €700,000. The family hope that, eventually, Zoe may be able to continue her treatment in Holland if her condition improves to a stage where it would be viable to re-locate.

Website

The family have established a website www.mysisterzoe.com in Leo’s name where details of Zoe’s brave battle and the various fundraising events are posted. “The people of Mallow and indeed many other places have been extremely generous and supportive,” Tony says, “I want to thank most sincerely Ger Flanagan of the Youghal News and Youghal Cycling Club for their interest and their help in the campaign,” he adds.

Tony will be amongst about 20 cyclists expected to participate in September’s event. The journey will leave the Market Square at 9 am and visit Tallow, Fermoy, Mallow, Blarney, Ballincollig, Bishopstown, Cork city and Midleton before returning to Youghal.  Donations can be made through sponsorship cards, collection boxes on the day or through the following Ulster Bank account: A/c no: 10880255; sort code: 986070 International Details:IBAN:IE47ULSB98607010880255; IBAN BIC: ULSBIE2D

Visit: www.mysisterzoe.com

Youghal Cycling Club always encourages new members both male and female of all ages. We know it can be a bit unnerving if you are new to cycling, joining a club cycle for the first time.

If you are already cycling but feel you could benefit from group cycling, we would like to hear from you. If you are looking for a fun and enjoyable way of getting fit and think road cycling could be for you, we would also like to hear from you!

With bodies(of all shapes) covered head to toe in lyrca and everthing that goes with it,this can be a strange world for the novice cyclist.

A bike of any kind(mountain, road racer,or Hybrid)and a tracksuit is all you need along with the desire to improve your fitness and have a bit of fun at the same time.Check out the training page to see the health benefits of regular cycling.

If you would like to talk to club Secretary Jonathan Tobin about any questions you might have regarding joining the group for a cycle he is only to willing to answer your queries and encourage you to your next step in joining the group for a cycle.

Jonathan can be contacted at 086-8563292 or email