Community Rallies for Mum Facing Aggressive Skull Cancer
A brave mum-of-three from Bohermeen is at the centre of an extraordinary outpouring of support as she battles an incredibly rare and aggressive form of cancer. Sharon Ball, 38, was diagnosed with stage 4 skull-based osteosarcoma in October 2025. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, the treatment has unfortunately not been successful, leaving her with a critical need for specialised surgery.
Sharon is now urgently seeking to raise €650,000 for a life-saving brain surgery procedure to be performed in New York. The urgency of her situation has resonated deeply, with a wave of support flooding in from Irish celebrities, including Maura Higgins, Jessica O’Mahony, Vogue Williams, and Jenny McCarthy, all lending their voices and influence to her cause.
A Mother’s Determination
The heartfelt plea for help was shared on Sharon’s GoFundMe page by her devoted loved ones. They described Sharon as a cherished wife, daughter, sister, and, most importantly, a loving mother to her three young children: Jack, aged six, Louis, aged four, and baby Sophie, who is only 9 months old.
The message highlighted Sharon’s fierce determination to be present for her children’s milestones and to watch them grow up. Her family and friends are working tirelessly to secure the necessary funds as swiftly as possible, recognising that time is of the essence in her fight against this aggressive disease.
“Every donation—no matter how big or small—will make a real difference,” the GoFundMe appeal stated. “If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help us reach as many people as possible.” The family expressed profound gratitude for any support offered, thanking the public for their “kindness, generosity, and compassion.”
Overwhelming Generosity Surpasses Goal
The community’s response has been nothing short of phenomenal. In an astonishing display of solidarity, the €650,000 target was met within a matter of days. As of the morning of March 29, the fundraiser had surged past its goal, raising an incredible €728,000 from over 16,000 generous donors.
Celebrity Endorsements Fuel the Campaign
The visibility of Sharon’s cause has been significantly amplified by well-known figures who have shared her fundraiser. Among them is celebrity photographer Jenny McCarthy, who herself has personal experience with brain surgery. Jenny and her husband, TV presenter Martin King, have been vocal advocates for Sharon’s campaign.
Jenny shared a personal message on social media, explaining her strong connection to Sharon’s story. “I normally NEVER ask for donations, but I’m praying you might help here if you can,” Jenny wrote, accompanying her plea with a link to the fundraiser. She went on to describe Sharon as someone she has photographed, including her wedding and children, and reiterated the severity of her diagnosis.
“Sharon has stage 4 Osteosarcoma of the skull,” Jenny explained. “Unfortunately, she needs to get to NYC asap for treatment as it hasn’t been possible here. Having been through 2 brain surgeries myself, I know how scary this is. Sharon wants to be here for her three babies.”
Another prominent supporter is Kayleigh Trappe, a teacher who works with Sharon’s fiancé, Tom. Kayleigh also shared Sharon’s GoFundMe, emphasizing Sharon’s character. “She’s an absolute lady, a teacher who works with Tom, who needs surgery,” Kayleigh stated. “We’re going to try to get the donations in. Everything, big or small, is really appreciated.”
The collective effort and swift action from the public and well-known personalities demonstrate the powerful impact of community spirit in times of crisis. Sharon’s journey, while fraught with challenges, has illuminated the incredible capacity for kindness and support that exists when people unite for a common, urgent cause.
The successful fundraising effort means Sharon can now proceed with the critical surgery, offering a beacon of hope for her and her young family as they face this daunting battle together.
