Playing For Sam

[FermGael]

A GLAMOUR friendly football match between Fermanagh and Mayo senior teams, to take place on Saturday May 4 in Brewster Park, is being held to raise money for a very special little boy.

The pre-championship friendly, dubbed 'Playing for Sam', is in aid of the 'Sam Bradley Care Fund', a charity set up to raise funds to help fund the treatment and care of 21 month old Sam Bradley from Belnaleck.

Sam is the elder son of Fermanagh Herald Sports Editor, and former Fermanagh player, Colm Bradley, and is currently undergoing treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer.

Sam was diagnosed shortly after Christmas with high risk neuroblastoma and is currently undergoing intensive treatment in the Royal Victoria Children's Hospital in Belfast. Although he has responded well to the first part of a six phase treatment plan, there is a possibility that some of his care will have to take place outside of Ireland.

The Bradleys, who reside in Belnaleck, have temporarily moved to Belfast as Sam faces prolonged periods of time in hospital over the coming year, with the possibility that he may have to go abroad for the end of his treatment, at a considerable cost.

Sam's family has set up a campaign, 'Together for Sam' to help raise funds for Sam's ongoing care and potential treatment abroad.

A website, www.togetherforsam.com is due to go live in the coming days, while you can also follow Sam on twitter @togetherforsam and on Facebook at togetherforsam.

Less than 15 children across the country are diagnosed with Neuroblastoma each year, with some of the most cutting edge treatment only available in Ireland and Europe on a clinical trial basis.

There are a number of fundraisers planned for Sam over the coming months, with more information available at www.togetherforsam.com , on twitter @togetherforsam and also on facebook at togetherforsam.

When the teams take to the field on May 4, Sam will be recovering from eight hour surgery to remove a tumour from his right kidney.

"He has been so brave," explained Sam's father, Colm "He has had six cycles of chemotherapy in 60 days and has bounced back so well. The surgery is the second phase in a six phase treatment plan before more chemo, radiation and then immunotherapy.

"He has been through a lot but he just keeps smiling and refuses to let anything keep him down."

As part of Sam's treatment is only available in Europe on a clinical trial basis, there is a possibility that complications would mean Sam may not qualify for some of the potentially life saving drugs."

FUND-RAISING

One of the first of the fund-raising events is a cooking demonstration by Neven Maguire in Sam's mother, Michelle's, home town of Kiltimagh. Michelle works with Neven in his award winning MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion.

The cookery demonstration will be held in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh on Wednesday, May 1. 'Cooking for Sam' will also have an added element of glamour, with the event being compered by television personality and nation's favourite, Anne Doyle.

If, as the family hope, he can get all his treatment in Ireland, then a number of children's cancer charities will benefit from the fund-raising efforts.

[rodney trotter]

For a good cause, Fermanagh will have no worries about the G8 meeting that day anyways..

[rrhf]

Read this in Irish news very touching story. Lets hope this achieves great things.

[criostlinn]

Anyone know what time this match is at.

This is a great cause and I urge anyone who can, to attend it.

[Togetherforsam]

6:00pm in Brewster Park on Saturday May 4. Hoping as many can come along as possible. Sam's mum is a Mayo native. More info about sam's fight on www.togetherforsam.com or on twitter @togetherforsam or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/togetherforsam

Thanks for all the support we have received to date. It has been overwhelming and it is true what they say about the GAA being a family. Unbelievable.

[seafoid]

Very impressive response from the GAA community and there is no border for cases like this.

[Togetherforsam]

Not sure if this link works. But this is a piece that Sam's dad did for the Western People. It was included in Michael Gallagher's column.

http://twitdoc.com/view.asp?id=93014&sid=1ZRQ&ext=PDF&lcl=Together-for-Sam-1-.pdf&usr=togetherforsam&doc=137960455&key=key-jzm23eklyz0r0g97skn

[Togetherforsam]

Fermanagh meet Mayo in Brewster park tomorrow at 6:00pm in aid of Sam Bradley, a 21 month old boy who is fighting neuroblastoma. More info on Sam at www.togetherforsam.com or you can follow him on twitter and on Facebook @togetherforsam

Erne captain Ryan McCluskey, who lost his father to cancer, has urged people to come along and support this worthy cause.

There is no admission fee but there will be an opportunity to donate to the campaign.

http://gaeliclife.com/2013/05/erne-skipper-urges-support-for-playing-for-sam/

[Jinxy]

Is it possible to make a donation online?

Oops, just saw the website. 

[Togetherforsam]

Yes. Donations can be made via the PayPal option on the website. Thanks very much.

[criostlinn]

Any of the Mayo lads going up to this

[mayo.mick]

Any of the Mayo lads going up to this

Hope to make it up myself. Will let yee know if I do make it, I'll have the camera with me 

[criostlinn]

Good man Mick.

What about some of the north mayo lads. Sure its only up the road.

Its for a super cause and a great chance to see what Horan is thinking after the league semi.