Earlier this year, things were looking good for Linda Gibbons and David Goucher and their two little boys Troy (5) and Calvin (7). Linda had opened a new business, House of Logo in Naas, Dave had a busy job, and the family were planning a move to the village of Caragh.
But then devastating news hit. David was confirmed as having Stage IV Oesophageal Cancer, which has since spread to his liver and lungs. Now the family is seeking urgent help to get David the treatment that may give him time with his children.
“In February 2024, our world was turned upside down when David was diagnosed with stage IV oesophageal cancer, which has spread to his liver and lungs. Despite enduring 12 exhausting rounds of chemotherapy, his cancer has started to spread again,” Linda wrote on their Go Fund Me page.
“After researching other options, we found a promising treatment called Cell Immunotherapy at Innovita Life in Dublin, which uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer,” she said.
But she explained: “This treatment is not covered by mainstream healthcare and needs to be paid for privately—something we never imagined we’d be facing.”
And she shared that her husband had to close his business and that she was now his full-time carer as well as raising their small boys.
“David had to close his business, and I’m now his full-time carer while raising our boys. We’re reaching out, humbly asking for any support you can offer, whether it’s a small donation or simply sharing our story,” she said.
“This treatment offers hope—hope that David can see Calvin celebrate his 8th birthday next May, hope that our boys get to grow up with their dad by their side. Every bit of help means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible generosity and support,” Linda wrote. In a update she said: “Dave is fighting this as best he can, we have to deal with complications eg, pain control and he needed a stent to be inserted to help with his swallow. He is just out of hospital a week, and has started occupational therapy.”
“We are having modifications made to the house. Dave needs someone with him all the time but he just want to be with the boys and I as long as he can, to see Calvin’s eighth birthday, to see Troy improving.”
Donations are welcome and the campaign can be viewed at this link.
“We couldn’t have made it this far without your kindness, and we’re so grateful for the hope this gives our family. Please continue to share our story to help us reach our new goal,” Linda wrote.