Baby diagnosed with leukemia day before Christmas Eve amid huge community response

One Offaly community has rallied in a big way around a baby and his family after the six-month-old was diagnosed with leukemia a day before Christmas Eve.

Little Ricardo Madigan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on December 23 at only six months old, prompting friends of his parents to set up a fundraiser.

Parents Ciaran and Yolanda Madigan are well known locally with Yolanda a popular dance teacher. Yolanda recently posted: "Thanks so much for all your support! We are very grateful for all your messages, prayers and donations."

The fundraiser says: "Ricardo faces a long journey ahead, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The most important form of support is family, friends and community prayers, thoughts and positive energy.

"We would like to make an effort to support his recovery financially also. Any donations fundraised here will go directly to supporting Ricardo and ensuring he will be as comfortable as possible during his treatment including most importantly having Yolanda and Ciarán by his side every day.

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"Any remaining funds will go directly to St Johns Oncology ward in Crumlin who have been a great source of support to Ricardo, Ciarán and Yolanda. Any donations whatsoever great or small will be much appreciated and go a long way in their support.

"Ricardo is a happy strong baby and we are sure with your love and support he will win this battle! Ciarán and Yolanda have two other children who love and can't wait to have their baby brother home again," the fundraiser established by Linda Butler concluded.

The GoFundMe set a target of €13,000 and €12,500 had been raised by Thursday afternoon. You can donate HERE.