Golden bell rings for Megan’s homecoming

THE father of four-year-old Megan Malone, who has stunned doctors in her fight against a rare form of cancer, has described his delight that the family are set to return home to Ireland this weekend.

“This is the end of a long road for all our family and we are all eagerly looking forward to returning home after nine months in the US,” John Malone from Ballyalla, told The Clare Champion.
On Tuesday, Megan took part in a very special tradition at Massachusetts General Hospital where she has just completed her radiation therapy.
John explained, “Anyone who completes their course of treatment gets to ring a gold bell in the hall. Megan rang the bell signifying the end of her treatment in the US and it was a very emotional occasion for all involved.”
The Malone family are set to fly back from the US at the weekend and return to their home in Cork.
“Words cannot describe how fantastic it is to have Megan as healthy and happy as she is and be heading back to our home with our beautiful family. Megan has battled through this as good as any brave soldier fighting a war, always smiling and positive.”
The Malone family moved to the US after Megan was diagnosed with a rare cancerous brain tumour called sPNET medullablastoma. A fundraising campaign by the Megan Malone Trust raised around €180,000, while an anonymous donor offered to pay for Megan’s medical treatment.
Megan underwent specialist treatment at New York’s Presbyterian Children’s Hospital. Following treatment doctors described Megan as “visually” cancer free, however it was recommended that she undergo radiotherapy in Boston to eliminate any microscopic cells that could remain.
She will have to return for an MRI scan two months and every three months after that for the first year, and then every six months for the following four years.
The most recent estimated cost of treatment for Megan in New York was $1,150,000 but after negotiations and discussion between the family, the hospital and the anonymous donor this estimate has now be capped at $850,000.
“We are very grateful to this donor for this very generous donation,” said John. The cost estimate for Megan’s treatment in MGH Boston is an additional $340,000, which was paid by the HSE.