An online fundraiser has been established by the sister of a Wexford woman who is currently battling a rare form of cancer in Thailand.
Nadia Dempsey, who is a graduate of IT Carlow, had been travelling around the world for the last ten years but has since settled in Ko Pha Ngan off the east coast of Thailand where she lives and works with her American-born partner as a special needs assistant.
On returning home to Ireland earlier this year, Nadia had a smear test carried out as a matter of routine while getting the coil fitted – a test which returned an abnormal result after she had returned to Thailand.
After a further test in Thailand, the 30-year-old was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma – a diagnosis which prompted an urgent hysterectomy.
Nadia is now recovering in Thailand with her mother and father by her side and is receiving radiotherapy, however, her insurance company has since dealt a crippling blow to Nadia and her family as they are refusing to pay for her life-saving treatment.
The difficult situation has since prompted Nadia's sister, Natalie, to start a GoFundMe page to pay for the Wexford woman's spiralling health costs.
Posting on GoFundMe, Natalie said: "I am asking for help on behalf of my sister, Nadia Dempsey.
I am forever grateful 🥰
Tonight the nurses are preparing me for my procedure. Cya later ovulater 👋🩸Though there’s fear and loss, you all have given so much. I am grateful.
Light those candles 🕯️ Keep ‘er lit 🔥@SouthEastRadio @beat102103 https://t.co/0r6mpMoDxB pic.twitter.com/b4Ntgaj2Yn— Nadia Dempsey (@nadia_dempsey) November 19, 2022
"Nads was diagnosed with abnormal cancerous cells and a tumour in her cervix and has now been prescribed a hysterectomy."
The post continues: "Many of you will know Nadia or met somewhere around the world at some point on her many adventures, with her infectious personality & smile, Nads has always been the most generous, family and friend-focused woman. Her heart, mind, and body have been dedicated to the people in her life, near or far. She fights for those who need an advocate and she gives to those who need it, no matter how big or small the matter.
"However, Nadia's insurance has refused to provide coverage for her procedures and travel back home to Ireland would not allow her the medical procedures she needs. She has fought the good fight for medical coverage, but, ultimately, she will need to pay for her procedures and aftercare herself.
"I guess it maybe have been daydreaming and wanting to believe that a surgery and maybe freeze some eggs would be the end point, maybe that was too hopeful and naive but unfortunately Nadia has been told that it’s not the end of the road just yet.
"They suspect Nadia has a rare case of cervical cancer called small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma less than 3% of women with cervical cancer have this type there’s lymph node involvement, nerve involvement and I’m not sure the rest.
"It’s unclear the next few months for Nadia other than a month of radiation and scans, they’ve not said anything else. The price is also unclear as it depends on the results and where she will get the treatment."
The fundraiser has raised almost €30,000 of its €40k goal to date. You can donate here
