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3 Jun
William Hyden and his siblings Kathryn and Mark have set up a GoFundMe to try and raise money to fund their father Karl's cancer treatments which are unavailable in Cork, or Ireland.
The family, based in Castleblagh outside Fermoy, are beyond grateful that €14k of their €22k goal has been raised so far, and this has provided 3 weeks of intensive infusion therapy for Karl Hyden.
In 2018, the Hyden family got a massive shock when their father was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had to remove part of his colon. Since then, his cancer has progressed to Stage 4 and there has been nothing but aggressive chemo and painful surgeries, including a liver resection.
Now, doctors have told the family that Karl is out of surgical options, over radiated, and the past chemo was too harsh on him to continue.
William Hyden shares his experience of paying for these treatments saying, "frustratingly, if we lived in mainland EU or UK the cost of this treatment would not be such an issue but as we live in Ireland we have to pay full price for the treatment as well as associated travel and other costs."
Currently, Karl is undergoing Mistletoe Infusions for his cancer which are part of a licensed integrative medical treatment unavailable in Ireland, this forces the family to travel back and forth to the UK a lot.
Widely available in the UK, EU and US, the evidence-based treatment alleviates his symptoms and allows him to stay active, strong and live his life more fully than before, without symptoms of nausea and extreme fatigue which are common with pharmaceutical cancer treatments.
The Mistletoe Treatment, integrated with his "second to none" care from the oncology unit at Cork's Mercy Hospital is providing the best care for Karl during this harrowing time.
Kay Hyden, his wife, expressed to Cork Beo her relief that this treatment is working so well and why the push is still on for donations.
"For two years he couldn't hold my hand because it was too sore, but now, we have our husband and father back. We have Karl back."
The family took to GoFundMe to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already donated but stresses the need for the final €10,000 by the end of June which will fund another 2 treatments.
"We're overwhelmed by your generosity, as we've said before, this is a marathon not a sprint, and we now need to secure his next two treatments which are essential in this life-giving process."
The Hydens all share an admirable phrase, "if not by pocket then by prayer" which expresses their profound thanks to those who can't donate but are sharing their story and sending them kind wishes online.
Before cancer, Karl was a mental toughness coach who helped introverted professionals in the workplace. He has helped thousands of people to navigate their careers towards success, often for a low fee or even for free and is now hoping that good karma will come his way.
He hopes that he will get to hold his newest granddaughter in November and took to the charity page saying, "I remain hopeful and ready for the challenges to come. I know I am not alone. I intend to live. "
Since the start of his treatment in the UK, scans show that there is not only a massive stall in Karl's cancer growth, but also his nausea and fatigue are greatly reduced allowing him to live more fully, so now more than ever donations are needed to cover his other treatment infusions for the year.
Find out more about this family's story, share a kind word, or donate any amount here.