Anxious vigil for Laois couple as toddler’s transplant is delayed

AN adorable toddler's life-saving transplant has been postponed for a week, as she fights an infection following pre-transplant surgery.

The family of little Robyn Neville-Quinn are anxiously keeping vigil by her side in a London hospital, as she endures severe pain while a medical team battles to bring the infection under control.

The only child of Meagan Quinn and Adam Neville, both from Portarlington, Co Laois, 18-month-old Robyn has a rare genetic disorder and will die unless she receives a successful bone marrow transplant.

Sadly, the transplant and intensive chemotherapy that were due to go ahead this week have been postponed because of the infection.

Meagan said on Tuesday 10 December: ‘The past few days have been really tough. Robyn has been in a lot of pain after her surgery and has picked up an infection. The medical team is monitoring her closely and working hard to get the infection under control.

‘As a result, her chemotherapy and transplant have been postponed by a week to give her time to heal and recover fully. She’ll also need another procedure to replace her Hickman line and a CT scan before we can move forward.

‘This delay is hard, but we know it’s what’s best for her right now. Robyn continues to amaze us with her strength and we’re so grateful for all the support, messages and donations we’ve received.” 

In an update on the fundraising page, which was set up by Robyn’s grandaunt Pamela Quinn from Bracknagh, Portarlington, Meagan said that her beloved daughter had her first surgery this week at St Mary’s Hospital, London.

Meagan explained: ‘She underwent cryopreservation to preserve her future fertility, as the chemotherapy she’ll be having will likely affect her ability to have children. She also had a PEG feeding tube inserted, to ensure she gets the nutrition she’ll need during treatment.’ 

Meagan added: ‘This is a big and emotional step for us, but we are so grateful for the love, support and generosity we’ve received from you all. It’s going to be a tough road ahead. Your continued support has made such a difference to us during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for keeping Robyn in your thoughts.’

Robyn has the rare and life-threatening genetic disorder Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and has battled serious medical issues since birth.

Both aged in their mid-20s, Meagan and Adam moved to Belfast seven years ago but have a large extended family in Portarlington, who are supporting them every step of the way.

Meagan’s mother Sabrina Moran, who lives at Cathair na gCapall in Portarlington, regularly travels to Belfast to help the couple with housework and everyday needs.

Earlier this year, Sabrina told the Laois Nationalist,"Despite everything she has been through, Robyn is so bubbly and happy and gives her best side no matter what. She always keeps smiling.” 

 A past-pupil of Coláiste Iosagáin, Adam has to take regular time off work due to Robyn’s medical needs, while Meagan had to give up work to care for her daughter full-time.

As the family faces a big struggle financially, Pamela set up an online fundraiser in August with a target of £50,000 (€58,683.75). The GoFundMe page titled ‘Robyn’s Journey’ has passed the half-way mark, reaching £25,350 by 13 December.

Generous donations include the proceeds of LOETB Portlaoise Further Education and Training Centre’s Christmas Market on 12 December, which was held at the centre on the Ridge Road.

Due to the rarity of WAS and the complexity of the transplant, the procedure is not available in Ireland or Northern Ireland and will have to be carried out at the renowned Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London. 

Fortunately, Robyn's treatment will be covered by the NHS. Any money collected will go towards flights, accommodation, meals and everyday costs.